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JULY - SEPTEMBER 2012

TEACHING A GOOD HEART: FPMT REGISTERED TEACHERS

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Order direct. Free shipping available. wisdompubs.org, 1-800-272-4050 Scan the QR code on your mobile device to find out more information about Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The Numerical Discourses of the Buddha. Wisdom Publications, 199 Elm Street, Somerville, MA 02144 HEART ADVICE: THE BODHISATTVA ATTITUDE by lama zopa rinpoche edited by sarah thresher FREE

Th is book comprises several motivations taught by Lama Zopa Rinpoche called “bodhicitta motivations for life,” intended for us to use fi rst thing every morning to generate the mind of bodhicitta and dedicate our life to numberless sentient beings. Th e Bodhisattva Attitude is taken from the sutra teachings of the Buddha and is based on verses by the great bodhisattva Shantideva in his Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life.

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6 FROM THE EDITOR 32 DHARMA AND THE MODERN WORLD 8 TEACHINGS AND ADVICE 34 YOUR COMMUNITY 16 PRACTICING DHARMA IN DAILY LIFE 44 FPMT NEWS AROUND 32 THE WORLD COVER FEATURE 20 Teaching a Good Heart: 59 FPMT DIRECTORY FPMT Registered Teachers

28 EDUCATION

ONLINE HIGHLIGHTS 8 Mandala publishes EXCLUSIVE ONLINE articles, photos and audio each issue to supplement our print publication. Visit mandalamagazine.org.

The July - September 2012 issue includes …

MANDALA TALK ROAD TO KOPAN An audio interview “She’s Not Looking 28 with Ven. Thubten Chodron for Another Man” on editing the new book By Ven. Karin Valham Insight into Emptiness PHOTO GALLERY DHARMA REALITIES FPMT Around the World “Bistro Blinds: Creating Protection for the Mind” … additional photos, advice, By Ven. Chonyi Taylor personal stories and more at mandalamagazine.org! 44

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2012 ISSUE 56 MANDALA (ISSN10754113) is published quarterly by FPMT, Inc., 1632 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97214-4702, USA. Printed by Journal Graphics, Portland, Oregon, USA. Periodicals postage paid at Portland OR. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mandala, 1632 SE 11th Ave, Portland OR 97214-4702 COVER: From left, Lama Lhundrup, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Lama Yeshe posing for a photo next to Kopan Hill, Fourth Meditation Course, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, 1973. Photo courtesy of Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.

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July - September 2012 MANDALA 5 From the EDITOR

DEAR READER,

he constellation of qualified teachers within FPMT Buddha to me. But more than the academic knowledge, inspires no small amount of awe. This issue of the care and gentle kindness of my teachers inspires me TMandala takes a look at FPMT registered teachers, to be nicer and more thoughtful with everyone I meet. including exploring some of the considerations that come Their faith and dedication to Dharma moves me to into play when bestowing the label of teacher. But our examine and deepen my own practice. The confidence I coverage of FPMT teachers only gives a small glimpse into feel that my teachers have in me – the belief that I can what is one of the outstanding aspects of FPMT – the really change myself – helps me confront those areas in scores of resident and traveling Tibetan geshes and non- myself where I feel stuck. I can hear my teachers saying, Tibetan Sangha and lay teachers who share the Dharma at “You can do it. You’ve got buddha-nature. You can 159 FPMT centers, projects and services worldwide. change.” And I’m willing to take on life’s challenges. FPMT’s international network of experienced and knowl- I’d like to thank former Mandala editor Carina Rumrill edgeable teachers supports the needs of beginning students for all the wisdom and guidance she has given me over as well as experienced practitioners, encourages harmonious the last year as well as for her tireless service to Mandala connections and facilitates the growth and flourishing of magazine. Carina is now offering her many skills and talents the FPMT community. We rejoice in these riches! to other departments within FPMT. We wish her the best. On a personal level, I feel a deep sense of gratitude to With love, those who have spent time explaining the teachings of Laura Miller ABOUT MANDALA Mandala is the official publica- Friends of FPMT is a donor program composed of Friends working tion of the Foundation for the together to support FPMT’s global activities. Preservation of the Mahayana To learn about Friends of FPMT levels and benefits, contact us or visit: Tradition (FPMT), an interna- www.fpmt.org/friends tional charitable organization Mandala is published in January, April, July and October. founded more than thirty years ago by two Tibetan Buddhist Managing Editor and Publisher FPMT Board of Directors Laura Miller Spiritual Director masters: Lama Thubten Yeshe [email protected] Lama Zopa Rinpoche (1935-1984) and Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche. FPMT is now a vibrant international community with a Assistant Editor, Board Members network of over 150 affiliate centers, projects, services and study groups in Advertising & Sales Khen Rinpoche Geshe Chonyi more than thirty countries. Michael Jolliffe Ven. Roger Kunsang [email protected] Ven. Pemba Sherpa Editorial Policy Art Director Osel Hita Recurring topics include: Buddhist philosophy; Education; Ordination and Cowgirls Design Karuna Cayton Andrew Haynes the Sangha; Buddhism and Modern Life; Youth Issues; FPMT Activities [email protected] Peter Kedge Worldwide; Lama Yeshe and his teachings; Lama Zopa Rinpoche and his Friends of FPMT Program Tim McNeill teachings; His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his teachings, among many other Trevor Fenwick Tara Melwani topics. [email protected] Alison Murdoch Writers, photographers and artists, both amateur and professional, are FPMT, Inc. Paula de Wijs-Koolkin encouraged to submit material for consideration. Mandala currently does not 1632 SE 11th Ave. www.mandalamagazine.org pay for publishable content; we credit all photos and other work as requested. Portland, OR 97214-4702 www.fpmt.org Mandala is published quarterly and is available via the Friends of FPMT Tel: 1 503 808 1588 program. Additionally, the publication is supplemented by online stories Fax: 1 503 232 0557 published exclusively at: www.mandalamagazine.org Toll free USA only 1 866 241 9886

6MANDALA July - September 2012 SNOW LION JOINS SHAMBHALA We’re delighted to announce that Snow Lion Publications, for more than three decades one of the premier publishers of books on Tibetan Buddhism, has now become part of the Shambhala family, adding their hundreds of highly regarded titles to our list. In joining forces, we look forward to continuing to Shambhala bring you the very best in Tibetan Buddhist teachings. Publications Shambhala.com/SnowLion

“These two volumes of Gone Beyond are VOLUME 1: A Summary of the a groundbreaking work and a great treasure for Western Buddhism.” General Path — by Craig Preston 240 pp. • $39.95 • paperback “Ican’t think of a better way for English speakers to learn classical Tibetan than to study Preston’s book. It’s top notch and easy to follow.” — , author of Buddhism for Beginners NEW! VOLUME 2: Buddhist Tenets by Craig Preston 344 pp. • $45.00 • paperback “This is the type of book I wished was available when I was learning Tibetan.” — , Associate Professor of Buddhist Philosophy

The Prajñaparamita-- - Sutras, - The Ornament of Clear Realization, and Its Commentaries in the Tibetan Kagyü Tradition translated and introduced by Karl Brunnhölzl 876 pp. • $54.95 • hardcover NEW! 688 pp. • $44.95 • hardcover These two volumes contain the commentaries by leading Kagyü teachers, translated for the first time in English.

– Mandala Readers by Anam Thubten A New Commentary on the – 160 pp. • $16.95 • paperback Heart Sutra Save 30% when you enter “Enlightenment is always available, by Karl Brunnhölzl discount code MAND112 even in this very ordinary moment. 160 pp. • $16.95 • paperback at checkout! It is something extraordinary that Karl Brunnhölzl guides practitioners ordinary people can witness whenever through this “crazy” sutra– to the ”— Offer expires 11/1/12. we are ready. wisdom and compassion that lie at its core. Teachings and ADVICE LAMA YESHE’S WISDOM DIFFERENT PEOPLE NEED DIFFERENT METHODS By Lama Yeshe

Lama Yeshe, Waikanae, New Zealand, 1975. Photo by Ecie Hursthouse.

he characteristic nature of all of Lord Buddha’s teach- but their similarities are far greater than their differences. Tings and methods is psychology and knowledge wisdom. They all contain the complete methods for reaching enlight- And what he taught was not just theoretical but practical enment, from beginning to end, and all practice tantric yoga, and based on experience. the Vajrayana. But while they all have the same methods, In general, theories and ideas are inadequate if they lack some emphasize certain meditation techniques over others. the key of understanding. We need to know how to put That’s the main difference. But they’re all equally Mahayana them into practice. Because of this, the Tibetan tradition has and all practice both Paramitayana and Vajrayana. always emphasized the importance of passing the experien- While the Hinayana, the Southern school of Buddhism, tial lineage, not just the theories, from guru to disciple, and contains neither the practices of the Paramitayana nor those The Mahayana offers people many different ways of practicing Dharma. ... What matters is mental attitutde.

in this way the living teachings of the Buddha have come of the Vajrayana, it in no way contradicts the Northern, or down to us today. Mahayana, schools. Lord Buddha sometimes said “yes” and There are four different schools of Tibetan Buddhism sometimes said “no.”

8MANDALA July - September 2012 We can understand what he meant by looking at how a There’s a profound psychology behind all his teachings. skilled physician treats a patient. When somebody is sick, the So, monks cannot touch women with craving desire treatment can vary during the course of the illness. For and nuns can’t touch men with craving desire. Doing so example, at first the doctor may recommend fasting, but makes you lose conscious awareness. That’s the danger. If later, as the person recovers, the doctor may recommend you have the power to stop your finger from burning, you meat and other heavy foods. When that happens you don’t can stick it into a fire. But if you don’t and your finger will get angry with the doctor for contradicting himself: “First you burn, why stick it into a fire? That’s all Lord Buddha is said ‘no,’ now you’re saying ‘yes’! Don’t you know what you’re saying. Anyway, whether or not something will burn when doing?” No – rather you think how kind and wise he is. it’s put into a fire depends on what kind of material it is. It’s It’s the same thing with Lord Buddha’s teachings. not automatic that whatever’s put into a fire will burn. Different people need different methods. For example, I’m So you can see that there’s no contradiction between a monk. I took my vows on the basis of my own decision. the Hinayana and Mahayana schools of Buddhism. And Strictly interpreted, according to the vinaya rules, I’m not with respect to the four Tibetan schools, there’s no such supposed to stare at women’s faces. I can look at men but thing as “this one takes this kind of precept, that one not at women. takes a different kind.” All four schools take the same The Mahayana view qualifies this. For monks, just precepts. looking at women isn’t the problem; it’s looking at them Also, it’s not necessary that everybody who wants to with an attached, grasping mind, with craving, emotional practice Buddhism takes ordination as a monk or nun. The desire. That’s what disturbs you. You can’t say that just Mahayana offers people many different ways of practicing looking automatically means you’re sick. It depends on your Dharma. In particular, the Mahayana does not emphasize mind. external signs of practice; those are not important. What Similarly, Lord Buddha never said that monks can’t matters is mental attitude. On the other hand, the Hinayana, touch women, just like that. He never proscribed any or Theravada, school does emphasize physical actions – how actions without explaining why and under what conditions. you act and so forth. Some of their rules are very strict and Lord Buddha’s vinaya psychology is incredible. He definitely needed. But none of this is contradictory. explained in minute detail with what kind of mind, what Excerpted from a seminar given by Lama Thubten Yeshe in kind of attitude, you should avoid doing this or that. He Christchurch, New Zealand, June 14, 1975. Courtesy of the the never, ever said, “You can’t do that because I said so.” Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive. Edited by Nicholas Ribush. ADVICE FROM A SPIRITUAL FRIEND BODHICHITTA MEANS WANTINGTOBEUSED BY OTHERS By Lama Zopa Rinpoche

he verses in chapter 1 [of Bodhisattva Attitude: How to Dedicate Your Life Tto Others] are from the great bodhisattva Shantideva’s Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, and are to be recited first thing in the morning after you have generated a bodhichitta motivation for life. They explain how you are going to dedicate your life to others by cultivating the bodhisattva Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Bendigo, Australia, attitude. We need this kind of attitude in order to open our minds toward May 2011. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang. others when working at a center, in the family, in the office, in the

July - September 2012 MANDALA 9 Teachings and ADVICE

government and everywhere. If you can generate this I heard that Kadampa Geshe Potowa was always happy to motivation in the morning and then try to live in it find an opportunity to serve others. These are not ordinary throughout the day, your life will become really wonderful. beings; they have actualized bodhichitta, the three principal This is the best practice. aspects of the path to enlightenment, tantric realizations, all of that. Whenever other people asked Kadampa Geshe Potowa to Having given this body to sentient beings do a puja for them, he was unbelievably happy to do so. To use however they want that makes them happy, Our motivation should always be to be used by others Whether they always kill me, criticize, beat me or whatever, for their happiness. If you are going to practice bodhichitta, It is totally up to them. this is what you have to accept. If what you want is to liberate sentient beings from the oceans of samsaric suffering This is saying, “I have given this body to be used by and enlighten them, you need to achieve enlightenment. If sentient beings in whatever way makes them most happy.” you want to achieve enlightenment, you need to practice This is very, very important. You must have this thought to bodhichitta. The bodhisattvas’ attitude is to always totally practice or to actualize bodhichitta. I often hear people say, dedicate their lives day and night to be used by other “Oh, these people are just using me!” Even sometimes at sentient beings for their happiness. This is what they are meetings in our centers I hear this. That is because they seeking and wishing for all the time. You have to know that. If what you want is to liberate sentient beings from the oceans of samsaric suffering and enlighten them, you need to achieve enlightenment. If you want to achieve enlightenment, you need to practice bodhichitta.

are not practicing bodhichitta. One time I wrote a letter to If you feel like that, there is the opportunity to gradually a center saying, “Bodhisattvas want to be used by sentient become closer and closer to bodhichitta and have the real- beings.” That is what the bodhisattvas’ attitude is. They ization. If you are able to change your mind into an attitude actually accept it. The worldly mind thinks that being used wishing to be used by others for their happiness, this is by others is bad, the worst thing, but bodhisattvas are exactly what the bodhisattva attitude is. most happy to accept this. If you want to achieve Excerpted from Bodhisattva Attitude: How to Dedicate Your Life enlightenment, you have to practice bodhichitta, and this to Others, edited by Ven. Sarah Thresher. Bodhisattva Attitude is is exactly what the bodhisattvas’ attitude is. Their happiest Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive’s first book from its Heart Advice series dedicated to preserving and sharing Lama Zopa practice is to be used by sentient beings. It is what they are Rinpoche’s experiential “heart advice.” The first print run – 6,000 always looking for. copies – is offered freely to the public at www.lamayeshe.com. INSIGHT INTO EMPTINESS ENTHUSIASM FOR EMPTINESS “Khensur Jampa Tegchok Rinpoche had the idea for this book in his mind for many years,” writes Ven. Thubten Chodron, editor of the forthcoming book Insight into Emptiness. Based on teachings on emptiness given by Khensur Rinpoche and translated by Ven. Steve Carlier, Insight into Emptiness presents an expansive collection of important points elucidating emptiness based on many sources from the Gelug tradition. We’re pleased to offer a short excerpt from chapter three, “Enthusiasm for Emptiness”: Khensur Jampa Tegchok Rinpoche. Photo by Agostino Fabio.

10 MANDALA July - September 2012 Worldly people are attracted to objects and people they For example, a medical student may make the strong find beautiful and desirable. They feel greatly drawn to determination, “I am going to cure all the illness in the them, yearn for them, and think about them a great deal. world when I become a doctor.” Even if she is not able to As Dharma practitioners, we cultivate a similar feeling do this, all her activities of caring for the sick will be more about emptiness. We want to understand it and think about powerful because she has this intention. In the same way, a it as much as we can. When we hear someone say, “the warrior who vows to wipe out all enemies no matter what wisdom realizing emptiness,” we smile inside and feel so it takes will put everything he has into the fight due to his When we hear someone say, “the wisdom realizing emptiness,” we smile inside and feel so happy, just like a worldly person does when he hears the name of the person he is attached to. happy, just like a worldly person does when he hears the powerful intention. Similarly, with strong compassion and name of the person he is attached to. bodhichitta for all sentient beings, our ability to progress Another attitude we want to cultivate in relation to the along the path and work for the benefit of others will understanding of emptiness resembles that of a person with increase dramatically. a well-paying job. This person does not give up her job because she sees its benefits. Even if she has to work hard © Thubten Chodron, 2012. Reprinted from Insight into Empti- ness with permission from Wisdom Publications, 199 Elm Street, and undergo many difficulties, she does so happily. Simi- Somerville, MA 02144 USA. www.wisdompubs.org larly, Dharma practitioners feel so happy to learn, think and Khensur Jampa Tegchok Rinpoche studied at Sera Je meditate on emptiness that they don’t want to stop. They Monastery in Tibet for 14 years before fleeing his homeland in are happy to bear any difficulties that might arise in their 1959. He has taught extensively at Nalanda Monastery in France, Land of Medicine Buddha in California and in the endeavors because they see its benefits. Masters Program at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa in Italy. We cultivate great confidence by understanding that the realization of emptiness will enable us to uproot ignorance Ven. Thubten Chodron has served as resident teacher at Amitabha Buddhist Centre in Singapore and at Dharma completely and thus cut the root of cyclic existence that has Friendship Foundation in Seattle. She is founder and abbess of caused us to suffer for beginningless lifetimes. We feel joy at Sravasti Abbey, a Buddhist monastery in eastern Washington State in the United States. In addition to editing Khensur Jampa the idea of forever banishing ignorance, afflictions and the Tegchok Rinpoche’s book Transforming Adversity into Joy and contaminated karma that causes samsaric rebirth. Our lives Courage, she is the author of Buddhism for Beginners and other Dharma books. have a deep sense of purpose, so that no matter how diffi- cult, we will not give up our efforts to try to understand and realize emptiness. MORE FROM INSIGHT INTO When we meditate on bodhichitta, we make the EMPTINESS ONLINE! strong determination, “I myself am going to lead all beings to enlightenment.” Will we actually be able to do this, even You can read an excerpt after we become a buddha? Probably not, because some explaining the Diamond sentient beings have stronger karmic connections with Cutter Sutra’s simile of the other buddhas. But even if we are not able to actually lead cloud and listen to an audio all sentient beings to enlightenment by ourselves, there is interview with Ven. Thubten no disadvantage in cultivating that determination. Having Chodron about editing such a determination makes all the activities we do moti- the book. vated by it – the practices of purification, accumulation of Visit mandalamagazine.org merit, the six perfections, the four ways of gathering for these stories and more. followers and all our virtuous activities – much more powerful.

July - September 2012 MANDALA 11 Teachings and ADVICE

A TEACHER TELLS US WHY THE BENEFITS OF OPENNESS

QUESTION: What should I know about the relationship between a student and a spiritual teacher?

ANSWERED BY ANDY WISTREICH

o you have confidence in your doctor? I rarely find it’s right, we connect even across a crowded hall. doctors I feel I can trust to get to the root of my Clearly, this is a two-way street. Not simply intrinsic Dproblem. Maybe I doubt that their medicine is qualities of the teacher, but equally our own openness, are beneficial or I feel that the healthcare system is dysfunctional. in play here. We both wish for maximum benefit and The few times I have felt confidence in a doctor, it is possess buddha-nature. One of the pair has developed the wonderful, and I get well much quicker. Even if the capacity to facilitate the opening-up the other requires in situation is poor, the doctor’s qualities of skill and knowl- order to learn. But the relationship is a respectful meeting edge and our positive relationship lead to results beyond all of minds. Otherwise, it doesn’t work. expectation. It’s nice if we get to have personal conversations, but It’s similar with teachers, isn’t it? Remembering school these don’t always have to be out loud. If we are open and and university, how often I couldn’t learn from my teachers! the teacher has a good heart, these conversations can

Once, Geshe Wangchen, the resident teacher at FPMT’s London center in the 1980s, asked His Holiness the Dalai Lama for advice about teaching. His Holiness replied simply, “You practice yourself!”

Their lack of knowledge, skill as teachers, ability to convince happen at an intuitive level. This depends on the teacher’s me that their subject was meaningful, or something motivation and purity, as well as our own receptivity. missing in our relationship often led to disappointment. If the teacher lacks compassion or ethics, there is an However, in a few cases our intelligences and aspirations uncomfortable feeling. It seems as though he or she is in it for connected, and even if the circumstances were not ideal, him or herself. There is an exploitative atmosphere around something special in the relationship enabled me to learn. that teacher. If the situation is unhealthy, best not get How about spiritual teachers? If our mind is opened to involved. A healthy relationship isn’t about smiles or even a deeper understanding of how things are, it’s working. feeling noticed. Sometimes we can learn from a teacher who Something between the teacher and ourselves helps this ignores us. The issue is whether or not our mind benefits. happen. It is as if the teacher has a hotline to our inner being, Is the teacher working on him or herself? Are they still relating effectively with our questions, anxieties and needs. practicing what they teach? It can happen that someone This may happen even if we never get to meet personally. If learns and practices when young, then begins a “career” as

12 MANDALA July - September 2012 July - September 2012 MANDALA 13 Teachings and ADVICE a teacher and sails with the winds of adulation from the having to process your stuff on your own. This period can students. This isn’t very good is it? Once, Geshe Wangchen, be very fruitful as you come to recognize what the rela- the resident teacher at FPMT’s London center in the 1980s, tionship is and what role each plays in it. There is no need asked His Holiness the Dalai Lama for advice about teaching. to junk the relationship – to reject the teacher – just because His Holiness replied simply, “You practice yourself!” of such estrangement. By continuing to work on yourself, Is the teacher humble enough to listen to the students? you can emerge stronger and re-engage with the teacher in It’s hard to judge, but it is evident in a kind of openness to a new way. the students’ reality, recognized in the way a good teacher In Glasgow in 2005, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said communicates, listening with the heart. If you are percep- that nobody may authorize a teacher except for the students. tive as a student, you can tell when this is happening. He said that it is the students who make the teacher. I find What are the student’s responsibilities to the teacher? I this very helpful. As a teacher I try to see myself as a servant.

As your trust and confidence grow, over time (and do give this as much time as possible) you will allow the teacher to touch on deeper and deeper aspects and corners of your mind, including areas you have been protecting for a long time because of issues from the past. have mentioned openness more than once, meaning prima- I try to realize that as a group we have an ongoing karmic rily to not prejudge the teacher or the teachings, but to relationship, and this time it happens to be me in the role examine them dispassionately. Test the teachings against your of teacher. In the future or the past, another one was or will common sense, prior knowledge and experience. Sometimes be teaching. there isn’t time for this during the teaching, so check up later. As Geshe Tashi from Jamyang Buddhist Centre in Maybe you think you have heard the teaching London always says, the teaching situation is actually a sharing. before, but if your mind is unbiased, this isn’t so because It is a sharing among equals. Usually, the teacher knows each teaching is a fresh presentation. If it doesn’t work more, or is more experienced than the students, but it isn’t for you, try not to blame the teacher. There is a mutual always so. Each member of the group has his or her own responsibility, and it is safer to think that way. This is strengths and weaknesses. blame-neutral. Of course, at a certain level it becomes beneficial to see Try not to load expectations onto the relationship or the teacher as all-knowing, but this is a very highly devel- pressure the teacher into being something you are looking oped perspective that takes time to develop. We should not for. Try to be open and sensitive to whom you are with. grasp at or rush this experience, or we will trip over later. Each teacher is different. There is no fixed model. Maybe it won’t come at all. We can still benefit from the As your trust and confidence grow, over time (and do teachings. give this as much time as possible) you will allow the teacher Perhaps the key to a successful relationship between to touch on deeper and deeper aspects and corners of your student and teacher is mutual respect and open-minded- mind, including areas you have been protecting for a long ness. It takes courage on both sides, but in every aspect of time because of issues from the past. As your heart opens in the spiritual journey, courage is at least as important as this process, you become increasingly vulnerable to your intelligence. We should bring our best to the relationship, uncontrolled emotions, so wild projections and misjudge- deal with our disappointments in a mature way and allow ments can explode. ourselves to grow through our time together. ◆ If the teacher is skilled, he or she will help you through such experiences. From your own side, you have to work Andy Wistreich has been teaching in FPMT centers for 30 years. hard to tame your mind and recognize your projections for He is an FPMT registered teacher, available to teach Discovering Buddhism, the Basic Program and to lead Kalachakra and what they are. Emerging from such times successfully really other retreats. Before retirement he worked in education as a strengthens the relationship. drama teacher, college senior manager and civil servant. He holds a master’s degree in education. He lives in southwest However, sometimes this doesn’t happen. You might England with his wife, Shan Tate, their four sons having grown even spend years in limbo without faith in your teacher, up and left home.

14 MANDALA July - September 2012

Practicing Dharma in DAILY LIFE FEATURED PRACTICE PRAYER FOR THE FLOURISHING OF JE TSONGKHAPA’S TEACHINGS

Lama Tsongkhapa and his two disciples, holy objects in Maitripa College’s Jokhang, Portland, Oregon. Photo by Marc Sakamoto.

In March, Ven. Roger Kunsang, Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s attendant and CEO of FPMT, checked with Khensur Denma Locho Rinpoche as to what could be done by FPMT centers, projects, services and students to help with Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s quick recovery. In addition to a few pujas, Denma Locho Rinpoche advised that students “should really strive to fulfill Rinpoche’s advice,” “try to see the [positive] qualities in others and try to work harmoniously” and “take the difficulties [and] hardships upon [themselves] and do the work wholeheartedly.”

Denma Locho Rinpoche also highly recommended that all students recite Prayer for the Flourishing of Je Tsongkhapa’s Teachings (Lo-sang gyäl-tän-ma). Mandala is pleased to make this prayer available as this issue’s Featured Practice.

16 MANDALA July - September 2012 PRAYER FOR THE FLOURISHING OF JE TSONGKHAPA’S TEACHINGS (LO-SANG GYÄL-TÄN-MA) By Gung-tang Tän-päi Drön-me

Though he’s the father, producer of all conquerors, Listening to explanations of the three pitakas, As a conqueror’s son, he produced the thought of upholding Realized teachings, practice of the three trainings – The conqueror’s Dharma in infinite worlds. Through this truth His skilled and accomplished life story is amazing. May the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish! May the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish!

When of yore before [Buddha] Indraketu Outwardly calmed and subdued by the hearer’s conduct, He made his vow, the conqueror and his offspring Inwardly trusting in the two stages’ practice, Praised his powerful courage. Through this truth He allied without clash the good paths of sutra and tantra: May the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish! May the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish!

That the lineage of pure view and conduct might spread, Combining voidness, explained as the causal vehicle, He offered a white crystal rosary to the Sage, With great bliss, achieved by method, the effect vehicle, Who gave him a conch and prophesied. Through this truth Heart essence of eighty thousand Dharma bundles – May the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish! May the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish!

His pure view free of eternity or destruction; By the power of the ocean of oath-bound doctrine protectors, His pure meditation cleansed of dark fading and fog; Like the main guardians of the three beings’ paths – 2 His pure conduct practiced according to conquerors’ orders: The quick-acting lord, Vaishravana, Karma-yama – May the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish! May the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish! In short, by the lasting of glorious gurus’ lives, Learned, since he extensively sought out learning; By the earth being full of good, learned, reverend holders Reverend, rightly applying it to himself;1 Of the teaching, and by the increase of power of its patrons, Good, dedicating all for beings and doctrine: May the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish! May the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish! Translated by Martin Willson, Nalanda Monastery, August 1985. Taken from Rites and Prayers, Wisdom Publications, London, 1985. Through being sure that all scriptures, definitive and Lightly edited by FPMT Education Services, June 1999. Interpretative, were, without contradiction, 1 Literally, “… since he rightly applied the meaning of what he Advice for one person’s practice, he stopped all misconduct: heard to [his own] continuum …” May the conqueror Losang’s teachings flourish! 2 Mahakala

Buddha Days Full and New Moons

July 23 – Lord Buddha’s first teaching (Tibetan 15th and 30th days) July 3, 19 August 2 – Lord Buddha’s conception (alternative) August 2, 17, 31 September 16, 30

The FPMT Foundation Store offers for sale the LIBERATION calendar, a traditional Tibetan lunar calendar including auspicious days and more, produced by Liberation Prison Project: shop.fpmt.org

July - September 2012 MANDALA 17 Practicing Dharma in DAILY LIFE REJOICE! P513 AND THE GOLDEN LIGHT SUTRA

A Liberation Prison Project student in Australia, the anonymous P513, has been reading the 21-chapter version of the Golden Light Sutra about twice each week, thoroughly washing himself and cleaning his cell before the practice. P513 also abstains from smoking, a habit he’d like to stop. All this preparation and practice is done for Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and P513 mentions he cannot thank Rinpoche enough for suggesting this practice because the practice has been nothing but transformative. The practice has so changed him that others ask, “What has happened? Why are you different?” LPP chaplain Anna Carmody shared this news with Lama Zopa Rinpoche and this was Rinpoche’s joyful “Buddha in Golden Light.” Photo by Edward Dalmulder. Creative response: Commons (Flickr: Edward Dalmulder) Thank you very, very, very much for your news about the Lama Zopa Rinpoche comments that in addition to many other prisoner (P513). I am very, very happy to hear what he is benefits, “[The Golden Light Sutra] is very precious; it brings doing when reading the Golden Light Sutra and how it has peace and happiness and is very powerful to stop violence. It changed him – that is exactly the purpose of reading it. Please gives incredible protection to the country from violence, etc. By hearing this text, one’s karma gets purified.” give my thanks to him [a] billion, zillion, trillion times not only for reading the Golden Light Sutra, but that he has You can learn more about the Golden Light Sutra and its changed and become a better human being – that is exactly the benefits, download a copy for yourself, or even find a version suitably small enough to wear on the body for protection by purpose of reading the Golden Light Sutra.Iamveryhappy. visiting: www.fpmt.org/teachers/teachings/sutras/ Thank you very, very much. ◆ golden-light-sutra.html

VAJRA CUTTER SUTRA FOR PROTECTION WHILE TRAVELING Early morning on February 5, 2012, the 14645 Jammu- need to have faith in this, so I did. When I woke up at bound Shalimar Express derailed near the Kala Bakra rail- 3:00 A.M., the train had stopped as apparently one of the way station in India. Miraculously, none of the train front carriages had derailed. But a disaster had been carriages fell over and no one was killed. Drolkar Maree, averted as the driver stopped the train in time so that former spiritual program coordinator of Chenrezig Institute none of the carriages actually toppled over.” and long-time student, was on the train heading back to When Lama Zopa Rinpoche heard this story, he her home in McLeod Ganj when the accident took place. asked that it be shared widely. “I was doing my prayers [the night before] and when I was reciting a few pages from the Vajra Cutter Sutra,I The Vajra Cutter Sutra can be found freely on fpmt.org in 10 different languages. Also, fpmt.org makes the Tibetan avail- was thinking how Rinpoche had said the Vajra Cutter able in a format suitable for being cut out, assembled and Sutra can protect you when flying,” Drolkar recalled. worn on the body.

“I happened to think that the text would protect us on www.fpmt.org/teachers/teachings/sutras/vajra-cutter- the train and I remembered that Rinpoche said we really sutra.html

18 MANDALA July - September 2012 THE INTERNATIONAL MERIT BOX PROJECT

WE ALL HAVE A WORD FOR GENEROSITY:

慷慨 generøsitet vrijgevigheid suuremeelsus kagandahang-loob hào phóng 寛大な générosité generosità Großzügigkeit щедрость generosidade kemurahan generositet gavmildhet Generozitatea Practice generosity with your own International Merit Box kit, now available in eleven languages. Email [email protected] for more information and to obtain your own Merit Box kit, or visit www.fpmt.org/meritbox If you are already an International Merit Box participant, thank you for practicing generosity today, and throughout the year, in support of FPMT projects worldwide.

July - September 2012 MANDALA 19 Teaching a GOOD HEART Teaching a Good Heart: FPMT REGISTERED TEACHERS

Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaching during the Fourth Meditation Course, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, 1973. Photo by Lynda Millspaugh, courtesy of Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.

Sincere and good hearted, this is an extremely important quality for teachers [so they can be] a very good model for students and an inspiration for their studies – inspira- tion to have deep, clear understanding of Dharma – and for inspiration to practice.

–LAMA ZOPA RINPOCHE,TSE CHEN LING,SAN FRANCISCO,CALIFORNIA,USA,APRIL 2007

In every practitioner’s life, there comes a moment when But how do we know when a teacher is capable of guiding she knows that she has found her spiritual guide. It can us along the path, inspiring us with their discipline, helping look a lot of different ways. Some people have mystical us understand the teachings and promoting harmony in our visions or weep. Others simply find that one day, after communities? At FPMT, the label “teacher” indicates a person many years of observation, they feel comfortable saying, possessing several indispensible qualifications: academic “That person over there? Yes, he’s my teacher.” And success, solid meditation practice, an attitude of service, although the look of this moment is as varied as there are ethical behavior and loving kindness. Also FPMT teachers people, a common emotional experience follows swiftly have an appreciation of the organization’s history and unique on its tail: a sense of purpose and inspiration, a feeling teaching lineage, which helps build a sense of family and of coming home, a certainty of being on the right cohesion amongst their students. FPMT’s teacher registration track.There is no doubt that a qualified spiritual teacher process seeks to ensure as much as possible that teachers at can change a person’s life. FPMT centers, projects and services meet these criteria.

20 MANDALA July - September 2012 A System for Dharma Education I do take the Dharma seriously and make sure [I know about the teachers] I take teachings from – always. That’s why I love FPMT. I know that if a lama or lay teacher is teaching in any FPMT center, they are fully approved to do so and I know what I hear there will be accurate and in line with my heart guru, Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

–VICTORIA RAINONE, DISCOVERING BUDDHISM ONLINE DISCUSSION FORUM Meeting the instructional and inspirational needs of the “Hence, a system has been set forth by the late, match- tens of thousands of students who visit FPMT centers lessly kind Lama Thubten Yeshe, and followed and requires care and consideration. While it’s true that the gradually developed by Lama Zopa Rinpoche over the past label “teacher” is a dependent arising and relies on a few decades,” Lama Lhundrup continued. “They have student considering an individual as a teacher, from the carried out careful observation on students’ situation and side of the FPMT organization, the teacher designation thorough investigation on what subjects are most suitable also demands that one works to maintain pure lineage and beneficial for students to learn.” instruction, provide a good example to students and foster In January 2011, FPMT International Office updated harmony in centers. the teacher registration process in accordance with Lama At the 1980 Council for the Preservation of the Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s advice and with input Mahayana Tradition (CPMT) meeting, Lama Yeshe said, from senior teachers, center directors and spiritual program “When we are organizing the education program we coordinators. The process is aligned with recognized good should choose the right teachers, ones who give good practice for teacher certification. Requirements include vibrations and do not create disorder and conflict.” Lama graduation from an FPMT standard education program or Zopa Rinpoche shared this sentiment when he advised that similar program – these programs all include the four a teacher “always places the most emphasis on harmony aspects of academic study, meditation practice, service and amongst the students and the center, who considers that ethical behavior. Also required are experience within the their main job is taking care of the students, helping the FPMT organization, appropriate references and a commit- students in whatever way they can. If the teacher really pays ment to uphold the FPMT Ethical Policy (see page 24). In attention to people, so that they can see the teacher has a addition, registered teachers are expected to continue strong wish to help people, this is highly beneficial for the developing professionally and to keep up-to-date with the center.” The actual process of teacher registration in the FPMT has developed over the years as the organization has grown and matured. Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup Rigsel, the former abbot of Kopan Monastery who passed away in September 2011, understood the need for an organized education system within FPMT and offered support for its development. At the 2002 CPMT meeting held in Taos, New Mexico, USA, Lama Lhundrup advised, “Since our organization has become a very important one, we must establish a solid, well-disciplined and definite system to provide Dharma education to the students of the organization. If the different teachers and individuals who come to the centers to teach Dharma, express and set up their own systems, programs Left to right: Lama Lhundrup, Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Lama and rules, then we will not have anything to hold up as our Yeshe, Fourth Meditation Course, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, own system and it is going to be a mess. 1973. Photo courtesy of Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.

July - September 2012 MANDALA 21 Teaching a GOOD HEART

organization’s development, particularly as new advice comes from our spiritual director, Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Within the registered teacher classification system – which includes ordained and lay men and women – the designation of Foundational Buddhism teacher means that one is authorized to teach introductory programs such as Foundations of Buddhist Thought, Discovering Buddhism and Living in the Path. More than 135 non-Tibetan Sangha and lay people are categorized as Foundational Buddhism teachers. Their educational backgrounds include having a Discovering Buddhism or Foundation of Buddhist Thought certificate, studying in the Masters Program, or having graduated from the Basic Program,theMasters Program or Maitripa College’s MA program. An In-Depth Buddhism teacher is able to instruct additionally in some of the Basic Program modules and perhaps even Masters Program subjects. There are more than 60 non-Tibetans in this group. These teachers hold certificates from the Basic Program or Masters Program, or have studied at Tibetan monasteries, the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics or in a Ph.D. program. The Tibetan geshes who are resident in centers also teach In-Depth Buddhism. In addition, many teachers have authorization from Lama Zopa Rinpoche to give refuge and 20 non-Tibetan teachers are certified to lead retreats of one-month or longer depending on their experience. With the process of registering teachers, FPMT Inter- national Office is working to help centers meet the diverse needs of students, while offering the assurance that only truly qualified teachers are invited to FPMT centers, projects and services around the world. Response to the updated policy has been positive. FPMT International Office maintains the ever-increasing list of more than 135 registered teachers. “WOW! To all those involved in ascertaining the qualifications of this incredible list of current registered teachers across FPMT – thank you and well done,” wrote Ven. Lindy Mailhot, director at Chag-tong Chen-tong

From top: Centre in Tasmania, Australia. “It is such a clear indication of how far the organization has come in 30-odd years – to FPMT geshes meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Sarnath, India, December 2006 have such a huge list of qualified teachers bringing the Dharma to the world is truly amazing.” Participants in the FPMT Education Conference, where the Discovering Buddhism program was conceived, Istituto Lama The path of Dharma is progressive. Our instructional Tzong Khapa, Italy, April 2001. needs as beginning students are necessarily different than the guidance we will seek as advanced students. FPMT is Symposium at Maitripa College, Portland, Oregon, USA, December 2010. Photo by Marc Sakamoto. also an organization with students of different ages

22 MANDALA July - September 2012 Quotes from Students about Their Teachers

[The teacher] held my hand and I felt such an over-powering sense of protection, like I did when I was a very small child and my mother hugged me. … Now I often hear his voice in my head when I am full of doubt or feel tired or make excuses. Very clearly his voice rings out: ‘It’s for all sentient beings.’ –MICK DICKINSON,TOKYO,JAPAN They give us the invaluable gift of Dharma teachings and are the epitome of control and moderation. They are so patient with our laziness and questions. They travel half-a-day each way every week just to give us teachings. They teach from their own experiences and give us such subtle, deep and authentic insights into the Dharma. In short, they are Lama Zopa Rinpoche with Ven. Roger the buddhas who come to guide us so skillfully. May their teachings Kunsang at Root Institute, Bodhgaya, India, January 2012. Photo by Kalleen Mortenson. endure and many, many sentient beings be led by them.

–SHANTI YAJNIK,BANGALORE,INDIA coming from a wide variety of cultural and educational FPMT teachers include erudite scholars specialized in backgrounds. Perhaps in recognition of the wide variety transmitting the main philosophical texts as well as plain- of experiences and spoken languages with which spoken practitioners skilled at bringing the teachings of the students arrive at FPMT centers, Lama Yeshe advised in Buddha into our hyped-up-21st-century lives. Collectively 1983, “The spiritual leaders of the centers have to have these teachers along with spiritual director Lama Zopa some kind of sympathy for the feelings of the individu- Rinpoche are able to guide us from introductory topics als in their daily life ... how to deal with them ... how to through profound realizations, helping us make our lives heal them.” truly beneficial.

Visit Mandala Online to read more! • Lama Zopa Rinpoche gives advice on the attitude to have when serving in a Dharma center • Discovering Buddhism teacher Thubten Yeshe (T.Y.) discusses what you can do if you live far away from a Buddhist teacher • Maitripa College’s Prof. Jim Blumenthal introduces us to the Nalanda masters and their impact on the shape of Buddhism in Tibet • Revisit Mandala’s 2010 coverage of FPMT-registered teachers, including historical accounts of early FPMT teacher training and profiles of FPMT’s Tibetan geshes • Adele Hulse recounts her first encounters with Lama Yeshe in an excerpt from Big Love, the forthcoming biography of Lama Yeshe Find these stories at mandalamagazine.org.

July - September 2012 MANDALA 23 Teaching a GOOD HEART Ethical Conduct Proper ethical conduct is a heart value within all parts of The five precepts form the basis of the FPMT Ethical FPMT. As one of the three higher trainings, ethical conduct Policy. (The five precepts are not to kill, steal, indulge in is a key aspect of Dharma practice, but appropriate action sexual misconduct, lie or take intoxicants.) The policy also ensures the effectiveness and functionality of a Dharma also covers relationships, right speech, finances and non- center. discrimination. In addition, there are specific policies for “A fundamental responsibility to ourselves and to the FPMT teachers’ behavior which cover confidentiality, FPMT community is to create a supportive, harmonious qualification and appropriate relationships. and safe environment for Dharma practice,” states the Actions contrary to these principles of conduct could lead FPMT Ethical Policy. “In this, we are caretakers of the to a person being suspended from facilitating classes or community’s well-being and share a responsibility to foster removed from the FPMT teacher registry. The Ethical Policy an environment of integrity and respect.” is displayed in all centers along with information on the center’s To meet these ends and to fully support compassionate grievance procedures. The policy is also included in staff and service and spiritual development, all FPMT registered volunteer trainings. The organization also offers further teachers and introductory class facilitators – as well as guidance to FPMT registered teachers on appropriate behavior. center, project and service directors, spiritual program The complete FPMT Ethical Policy is available on the FPMT coordinators, board members and other staff – are required website: www.fpmt.org/images/stories/ to sign and uphold the FPMT Ethical Policy. organization/FPMT_Ethical_Policy.pdf FPMT is Extremely Fortunate

From left: Lama Yeshe teaching at Seventh Meditation Course, Kopan Monastery, Nepal, 1974; Lama Yeshe and student, Manjushri Institute, England, 1976; International Mahayana Institute monks and nuns with some lay friends, Kopan 1974. Many of the early Sangha have become FPMT registered teachers. All photos courtesy of Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive.

“FPMT is extremely fortunate, unbelievably fortunate that instruction at some of the 159 FPMT centers, projects and we have many qualified teachers,” Lama Zopa Rinpoche services worldwide. There are currently 53 teachers resident told students at Tse Chen Ling in San Francisco, California, in centers, 39 of whom are Tibetan geshes. In addition, in 2007. “[They] have extensively studied Buddhist phi- FPMT centers are able to invite more than 135 FPMT losophy, the whole path to enlightenment, the four noble registered teachers with diverse histories, languages and truths. And [they] are not only scholars but are living in experiences to their centers – and these numbers are always practice; that is an extremely important model for us. … increasing! The variety and quality of these registered teachers So we are very fortunate, they are not just scholars in words, means students from a wide range of backgrounds can have but beings who are actually living the practice.” that truly remarkable experience of finding a spiritual friend In these remarks, Rinpoche is referring to the impres- that speaks to them. Creating this kind of connection is an sive number of qualified teachers who are currently giving important aspect of the FPMT organization.

24 MANDALA July - September 2012 FPMT CENTERS WITH RESIDENT TEACHERS

More than 40 FPMT centers in Australia, Denmark, England, France, Germany, India, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United States are home to 53 FPMT resident teachers. See the FPMT directory on page 59 for a listing of all FPMT centers, projects and services as well as for centers with resident teachers. Or go online for the most up-to-date listing: www.fpmt.org/teachers/resident.html

This rich assembly of teachers makes sense when we throughout the world. Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa consider where Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche Rinpoche also traveled throughout Asia. In later years, made contact with their early Western students: first in especially because of Rinpoche’s efforts, centers have India and hippie-saturated Kopan in Nepal, later in blossomed in Mongolia, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, Europe and North America. Taiwan, Malaysia and Indonesia. Today, FPMT has These Western spiritual seekers were inspired by their centers, projects, services and study groups in 39 countries, precious teachers to create Dharma centers in their own including Mauritius, Israel, Colombia, Argentina and countries, facilitating the spreading of the Buddha’s teachings Brazil. Growing New Teachers

As the number of centers, projects, services and study groups dents to lead meditation and introduction to Buddhism grows, there is an ever-increasing need for qualified teachers. classes. These students can be labeled “Dharma friend,” Happily as more centers offer the full standard education “introductory class leader” or “facilitator” in order to clearly programs, such as Discovering Buddhism, Basic Program and distinguish them from FPMT registered teachers. The Masters Program, more students are becoming certified, centers hold responsibility for monitoring, supporting and which is the first step in becoming eligible to apply to be training these individuals, and for encouraging them to registered as a teacher! complete one of the standard education programs. FPMT centers and study groups can cultivate new The future of Dharma depends on qualified teachers. teachers by encouraging suitable and experienced local stu- And the preservation of the Gelug tradition rests, in part, with

July - September 2012 MANDALA 25 Teaching a GOOD HEART

FPMT’s commitment to training and supporting teachers able to keep the lineage teachings authentic. As Lama Zopa Rinpoche consistently emphasizes, the motivation behind all of our actions should be our personal commitment to the path of the bodhisattva. “The best answer is to learn Dharma – and to meditate – especially how to develop wisdom and compassion towards other sentient beings,” Lama Zopa Rinpoche advised in November 2011. “We each have full responsibility to free all sentient beings from suffering and bring them to full enlightenment. There- fore, we need to achieve full enlightenment and so we need to practice Dharma. Therefore, we need a place where there Lama Zopa Rinpoche with a young Tibetan girl in Boudha, Nepal, is a teacher and facilities to practice. Now we can see how February 2012. Photo by Ven. Roger Kunsang. important the Dharma center is. We should know how fortunate and lucky we are having different Dharma centers change ourselves, seeking not only our own enlightenment, with teachers.” but working to become truly helpful to others. In the fu- We are indeed fortunate that so many opportunities ture, may we all become skillful teachers of Dharma and exist within FPMT for us to receive Dharma instruction bring peace and happiness to all beings. ◆ and to work on developing our compassion and wisdom. To learn more about FPMT study programs visit: Our teachers offer us support and inspiration so we can http://www.fpmt.org/education/programs.html

Support the continuing activities of LAMA YESHE and LAMA ZOPA RINPOCHE over many lifetimes to come by requesting your legal advisor to include a bequest to FPMT in your will or trust.

SAMPLE BEQUEST LANGUAGE: I give, devise, and bequeath to the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition, Inc., a California Non Profit Corporation, with offices at 1632 SE 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97214, USA ____ percent (_____%) of my residuary estate; and/or the sum of _____ dollars ($_____).

Gifts of stocks, bonds, life insurance proceeds, real estate and other assets may also be donated in your will or trust.

For more information, contact Chuck Latimer at FPMT International Office: Tel. +1 (503) 808-1586; Email: [email protected]. Or visit: www.fpmt.org/projects/office/planned-giving.html

“Within our organization, the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition, there are numberless projects through which you can make your belongings most beneficial for sentient beings and the teachings of the Buddha. . . . The aim of the projects is to illuminate the world from darkness, ignorance and suffering.” –LAMA ZOPA RINPOCHE

FPMT, INC. 1632 SE 11TH AVE. PORTLAND OR 97214 WWW.FPMT.ORG

26 MANDALA July - September 2012 Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition

Online Learning Center FPMT programs available online!

Buddhism in a NutshellDeath & Dying Meditation 101 Living in the PathDiscovering Buddhism Basic Program Special Commentaries Online Learning Center programs include: • Video teachings • Mindfulness exercises for daily life • Audio teachings and meditations • Karma yoga exercises • Written transcripts • Online quizzes • Readings • Online discussion forum • Daily practices • Completion certifi cate Individual modules available from the FPMT Foundation Store: http://shop.fpmt.org OR become a Dharma Supporter Friend of FPMT and receive free access to all online programs and a subscription to Mandala magazine: www.fpmt.org/friends • FREE! Discovering Buddhism module two, How to Meditate • FREE! Living in the Path module one, Motivation for Life • FREE! See online Site User Guide for other free courses

FPMT Media Center: High-defi nition streaming video of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Light of the Path teachings are available in English, French, Spanish, Chinese, and German.

The Online learning Centre is an absolutely, wonderful incredible resource. Truly, what a gift! Thank you. – Mary, Canada, August 2010 http://onlinelearning.fpmt.org EDUCATION FPMT EDUCATION SERVICES

FPMT Education Services is the education department of FPMT International Office and develops study programs, practice materials, translations and trainings designed to foster an integration of four broad education areas: study, practice, service and behavior. These programs and materials are available through the FPMT Foundation Store, the FPMT Online Learning Center and FPMT centers worldwide.

FPMT Standardized Glossary Project From FPMT Education Services staff In order to create a common terminology for Tibetan- The LRZTT will also decide which translation of each to-English translations for publications and written materials Tibetan term they prefer and deem the most appropriate, produced for FPMT study programs, FPMT Education taking into consideration the various contextual usages of Services is currently compiling a standardized glossary of the term in question. Following this, the terms will be terms. This glossary will be of great benefit to students of reviewed by the FPMT Translation and Editorial Board FPMT programs that utilize translations done by a variety (TEB), a group of senior translators, and ultimately ratified of translators. This glossary is not a dictionary and will not by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. include all Tibetan terms, but will instead include terms The FPMT Standardized Glossary is a continuation of that currently have multiple translations in English. These the rich discussion of translation instigated at the FPMT Tibetan terms and their varied English translations will International Translation and Editorial Meeting at Istituto be considered and discussed online by members of the Lama Tzong Khapa in May 2011. Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Translation Team (LRZTT), You may read a full report on the May 2011 conference by visiting fpmt.org and searching for “Taking Up the Challenge which comprises all FPMT and FPMT-affiliated translators of Translating Buddhism.” To learn more about FPMT Education and editors. Services, visit www.fpmt.org/education.

A Very Precious Thing By Yangsi Rinpoche

The FPMT has lots of strength to contribute in the area of translation due to the early establishment of Dharma centers that brought great masters and yogis as well as geshes to the West. From the side of the students, there are many who have an interest in learning the Buddha- dharma as well as the Tibetan language. This is a very precious thing. Then there are teachers who are well trained in Dharma subjects – not only in one country, but in many FPMT centers throughout the world. Many of them are geshes who, to a certain extent, are able to commu- nicate directly in the language of the country. If each of those countries were to start translating in an organized fashion, it would be of huge

benefit. This is because there are students who are totally inspired, who Yangsi Rinpoche, Istituto Lama Tzong understand another culture and the language, and teachers who know Khapa, Italy, May 2011 the subjects of the texts in depth and also understand the cultural aspects of the original texts. Then, between the teacher and the student there is a spiritual relationship, a Dharma relationship. All this is so precious. And this is not only in one place within the FPMT – it is all around the world.

Extracted from a talk given by Maitripa College’s Yangsi Rinpoche at the FPMT International Translation and Editorial Meeting at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa in May 2011.

28 MANDALA July - September 2012 UNIVERSAL EDUCATION FOR COMPASSION AND WISDOM

Universal Education for Compassion and Wisdom is an FPMT program of secular education for people of all ages and cultures. Announcing Universal Education for

Compassion and Wisdom By Allison Murdoch

It seems appropriate to the theme of teachers in this issue of Mandala to introduce an exciting new phase of development in our work – previously known as Universal Wisdom Education, but now renamed by our Honorary President Lama Zopa Rinpoche (for the final time, he assures us!) as Universal Education for Compassion and Wisdom (UECW). In December 2011, on a warm and sunny evening at Root Institute in Bodhgaya, India, Rinpoche generously gave a 90-minute interview on the subject of UECW to filmmaker Matteo Passigato. Ven. Roger Kunsang, CEO of FPMT, commented on the interview afterwards: “Rinpoche has given something really clear. … I don’t think you can get much clearer. Of course, you can go into the details, but you’ve got it there. I don’t think you can consider: that’s it. Because, of course, things will gradually get revised and evolved – you would want to do that, right? But this is the basis. It does make it clear enough for everybody.”

Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Root Institute, During the interview, Rinpoche gave an inspiring explanation of each Bodhgaya, December 2011. Photo by Ven. element of UECW’s new name: Roger Kunsang. The purpose of this education, to spread this education, is to make the people’s minds more compassionate. If one person in the world, in the country, in the family, generates more compassion – wow! – what less harm to living beings in all the universe, in this world, in the country, in the family! With more compassion, one does less and less harm, and more correct wisdom can develop. … Why it’s called “universal”? Everybody needs universal education – even ants, even lice. Everybody needs universal compassion and wisdom education. Everyone with a mind wants happiness and does not want suffering. What the tiny insects have to learn and have to practice is compassion and wisdom, not only you and me. ... Wisdom is acting correctly. From correct actions, happiness comes. If the action is not correct, then suffering comes. That’s the result, the effect of the action. If that action is negative, suffering comes to you and to others who are numberless. Wisdom is very, very important – unbelievably important. If there is correct wisdom, happiness to you and happiness to numberless other beings comes. But where does correct wisdom come from? It comes from the compassionate mind. ... Then there is “education.” There is something to learn. Certainly, anybody who wants happiness must learn how to get it. That’s the explanation of the name.

July - September 2012 MANDALA 29 EDUCATION

As the interview progressed, Rinpoche gave a clean-clear FDCW has set up a strategic framework of advisory outline of the practices, subjects and methods that will make groups, initially in the four areas of content, training and up Universal Education for Compassion and Wisdom. accreditation, implementation, and communications. Rinpoche made it clear that the 16 Guidelines for a Each advisory group will work closely with the relevant Happy Life program – which has been one of the main member of the FDCW team and will enable a wider activities of The Foundation for Developing Compassion group of FDCW supporters to contribute their knowl- and Wisdom (FDCW), the FPMT international project edge, skills and experience to the development of UECW, tasked by Rinpoche with putting all this precious advice to help it to flourish and achieve its aspirations in a cre- into action – should continue. We also hope to incorporate ative, transparent and effective manner, and to ensure that the essays of the former “Essential Education Core UECW is developed in accordance with the wishes of His Curriculum” into the area of “Philosophy” (“Science of Holiness the Dalai Lama, Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Mind”) as outlined by Rinpoche. Rinpoche. ◆ In a dialogue with Rinpoche following the interview, it If you would like more information, please visit was agreed that the elements of the name would be www.compassionandwisdom.org and sign up for arranged as Universal Education for Compassion and our regular newsletters.

Wisdom, providing a direct connection to the original There’s more online! You can watch the complete interview name given by Lama Yeshe: Universal Education. with Lama Zopa Rinpoche about Universal Education for Compassion and Wisdom – including an extensive All this represents an exciting new phase of develop- explanation of the importance of compassion – at ment for FDCW.To help guide this process, the board of mandalamagazine.org.

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Continuing Education & Distance Learning (Online) Classes Available Venerable Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche (r), Spiritual Director of FPMT, with Yangsi Rinpoche (l), Geshe Lharampa & President of Maitripa College; ~ Photo by Marc Sakamoto

30 MANDALA July - September 2012 F R I E N D S O F fpmt

Artwork by Lama Zopa Rinpoche FPMT relies on the generosity of Friends and donors like you to achieve its mission – the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community services. A gift membership to Friends of FPMT is another way to practice generosity and may be made by going online to www.fpmt.org/friends/giftmembership.

We appreciate having you as a Friend and thank you for your ongoing support of our programs. Dharma and the MODERN WORLD FEATURED PROJECT PRESERVING THE LINEAGE FUND Sponsoring Yearly Initiations and Oral Transmissions

When one receives an oral transmission (lung)or initiation from a qualified Buddhist master, one is receiving the teachings of the Buddha in their original form, passed from master to student through genera- tions in an unbroken continuum. The Preserving the Lineage Fund provides the means through which the Mahayana teachings can be transmitted from Tibetan lamas to their students by sponsoring initiations and oral transmissions that Lama Zopa Rinpoche has identified as essential for the preservation of the Dharma. The Preserving the Lineage Fund helps bring the perfect unbroken Dharma to practitioners and new audiences around the world. As the last remaining His Holiness the Sakya Trizin blesses Lama Zopa Rinpoche at the Wangya Norbu Tangwa event, Dehradun, India, April 2012. Photo generation of Tibet-born lamas leaves us, it is essential courtesy of Sakya Drolma Phodrang. that we provide as many means as possible for the lineage holders to pass on the teachings they have received. WINNERS OF DECIPHERING THE This April marked the fifth year that the Preserv- ing the Lineage Fund supported a series of initiations GURU’S GROCERY LIST CONTEST! given by His Holiness the Sakya Trizin at his monastery in Dehradun, India. This is a rare and utterly precious After manifesting a stroke in April 2011, Lama Zopa opportunity to receive the entire collection of initiations Rinpoche has been striving to increase mobility and from the Sakya Trizin called Wangya Norbu Tangwa dexterity in the right side of the body, particularly in his (Garlands of Jewels of Hundreds of Initiations). Preserving right hand. Rinpoche has made huge progress; but one the Wangya Norbu Tangwa has become a matter of night, he wrote a nearly undecipherable grocery list for urgency as the lineage of the initiations had completely his attendants, somehow having “lost” (they came died out in the Gelug tradition. back the next day) all his improved writing skills. In the The Preserving the Lineage Fund offered break- April-June 2012 issue of Mandala, we challenged fast, lunch and dinner to more than 800 Sangha – readers to imagine being one of Rinpoche’s attendants including about 65 Gelug lamas – attending these attempting to make sense of that list. We’re happy to initiations as well as the sponsorship of His Holiness announce that Ven. Ingrid Nordzin, Hilsa Ayonayon, the Sakya Trizin’s household and attendants. and team Robyn Brentano and Bill Kelly had the three Enabling this important series of initiations is the most accurate entries. We’re sending them a copy of first priority of the Preserving the Lineage Fund. As Ven. Roger Kunsang’s photo “Rinpoche Writing Out this series comes to a close, the fund will continue to the Long Amitayus Mantra.” Thanks to all those that offer support for initiations and oral transmissions in participated! accordance with Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s wishes. You can find the puzzling grocery list and the answer key on mandalamagazine.org. For more information about this fund or to make a donation, please visit: www.fpmt.org/projects/fpmt/PLF

32 MANDALA July - September 2012 DALAI LAMA APPOINTS FIRST WESTERN ABBOT merican monk Ven. Nicholas “Nicky” Vreeland has been Anamed abbot of Rato Dratsang Monastery in India, marking the first time a Westerner has been appointed abbot of a Gelug monastery. Ven. Nicholas began studying Tibetan Buddhism with Khyongla Rato Rin- poche in 1977 at The Tibet Center in New York City. In 1985, he became a monk at Rato Monastery and received his Geshe degree there in 1998. Since then, Ven. Nicholas has served as the director of The Tibet Center. He will now split his time between Rato Monastery and The Tibet Center. Ven. Nicholas Vreeland, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Khyongla Rato Rinpoche, During Ven. Nicholas’ investiture, Long Beach, California, April 2012. Photo by Richard Gere. which took place in Long Beach, California, in April 2012, His Holiness the Dalai Lama told A Profound Mind: Cultivating Wisdom in Everyday Life.He him, “Your special duty is to bridge the Tibetan tradition and is also an internationally recognized photographer. Sales of the Western world.” Ven. Nicholas’ official enthronement as his photographs have helped finance the rebuilding of Rato ◆ abbot at Rato Monastery is July 6, 2012. Monastery. Lama Zopa Rinpoche responded to a note from Khyongla For information on Rato Monastery, see Rinpoche sharing the news of Ven. Nicholas’ appointment. www.ratodratsangfoundation.org. To learn more about The Tibet Center, visit www.thetibetcenter.org. Lama Zopa Rinpoche writes: Ven. Nicholas’ photographs can be found online at Nicky’s actions have been that of a serious and www.nicholasvreeland.com. proper disciple of [Khyongla] Rinpoche. He has built Rato gompa with so much thought and research, he MORE MANDALA ONLINE! deserves to be the abbot. I am really happy to hear this Read more stories online from this issue’s Dharma news. Being appointed by His Holiness [the Dalai and the Modern World section: Lama] is being appointed by all the buddhas and bodhisattvas. I think it is really fantastic and send • Kopan’s Ven. Thubten Khunphel writes about what Nicky my CONGRATULATIONS. he’s doing to help street kids in Kathmandu I always remember seeing him in the same robes, • Popular alternative health expert Dr. Lai Chiu-Nan year after year ... sort of faded, old, washed robes. I shares a basic energy exercise from Taiwan think this shows renunciation. Je Tsongkhapa established the original Rato Monastery • Susan Dolkar writes about losing half of her body near Lhasa in the 14th century. Rato was reestablished in weight and gaining back her health 1983 in a Tibetan refugee settlement in the south Indian • Parenting insights from Creating Compassionate state of Karnataka under His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Cultures founder Pam Cayton patronage. Today there are approximately 100 monks at Rato. • Sarah Shifferd dissects the world of online dating Ven. Nicholas has edited His Holiness’ books An Open Find these stories and more at mandalamagazine.org. Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life and the recent

July - September 2012 MANDALA 33 Your COMMUNITY FEATURED CENTER Tushita at 40 Getting Older, Getting Wiser By Gillian Boll, Tushita Meditation Centre staff

From left: Tushita’s Main Gompa; All introductory courses at Tushita include group discussion.

he approach of one’s 40th birthday seems a good time FPMT’s busiest center. As Lama Zopa Rinpoche said to review: Where am I and how did I get here? What recently, “Tushita is wonderful. There is wonderful work Thave I learned? Where am I going? And how can I use being done here, so many students, more than any other the time ahead to its fullest advantage? After all, the insights center. It’s amazing.” gained by asking these questions affect not only oneself, but In 2011, more than 9,000 people from all over the world the many people involved in and touched by the decisions participated in our packed 10-month program of residential we make. If this is true for individuals, then such a review courses, retreats and drop-in sessions, with many more here is all the more important when the celebrant is a busy for personal retreat and special events. This is the peak of a Dharma center in India! dramatic rise in student numbers in recent years. Between Tushita Meditation Centre is located in the forested 2009-11, student numbers on our staple 10-day “Introduction hills above McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala, the-home-in-exile to Buddhism” courses increased by 40 percent. of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Many readers of Mandala Lama Zopa Rinpoche has also increasingly been spending will be familiar with Tushita, many may even have begun time here. At the time of writing, Rinpoche had spent three their Dharma path here; it has long been a place from where of the previous six months in residence at Tushita and was people start their spiritual journey. about to return for another stay. During this time he has The property that became Tushita was purchased by closely witnessed the work of the center and its attempts to Lama Yeshe on October 9, 1972. In the last 40 years, it has balance accessibility with a conducive retreat environment evolved from “Tushita Retreat Centre,” to running occa- and concludes that “Tushita is fulfilling exactly the needs of sional courses on Buddhist philosophy, to its present state: the people.”

34 MANDALA July - September 2012 We can reflect: How did we get here? What lessons have the courses are in general much more relaxed than they are we learned? We lay all merit at the feet of our spiritual guides in the West. Most of them travel long term, so they have left and celebrate the foundation-laying done by so many past their work, studies and private life behind, and their minds Dharma-wallahs. But Tushita’s increased popularity is also are much more spacious and receptive to absorb the due to present-day Tushita doing what it does very well. teachings.” International Kalachakra Network founder 2008 was a pivotal year: former director Drolkar Andy Wistreich adds, “I have been teaching Dharma for McCallum miraculously brought the building of the new about 30 years, but I’ve never had whole groups of such Main Gompa and the Medicine Buddha Gompa above the high quality students. I think it is because the place itself does dining hall into fruition before handing over leadership to half the work for you, because it is so blessed and powerful.” current director Linda Gyatso. These new gompas, in And people take the experience with them when they addition to the extant Vajrasattva Gompa, made for three go – often straight to other FPMT centers! Ven. Rita shares, viable teaching spaces, and our spiritual program coordi- “Years later, in all four corners of the world, you meet people nator (SPC) Ven. Kunphen was eager to fill them! With her telling you that you were the first person introducing them schedule of parallel courses, group retreats and daily to the Dharma and that they had then continued in their guided meditation sessions, all three gompas are now in use home country.” almost continuously. Moreover, our resident teacher (a Our popularity hasn’t grown in isolation; increased position currently filled by Ven. Tony Beaumont) gives the internet exposure has connected us to a much wider world program more continuity. A former long-term volunteer online and the Dharamsala region in general has seen a who has witnessed Tushita’s growth during Ven. Kunphen’s huge rise in tourism in recent years. The local villages are tenure writes, “The program has become so comprehensive almost unrecognizable to those who haven’t visited in some and well thought out since Kunphen took over as SPC, it time as building work continues with an astonishing pace really is benefitting a lot of people.” and McLeod Ganj turns into a bustling café culture. The Students regularly offer extremely positive, heartfelt accelerated rate of change has raised many important feedback, but teachers are also affected by Tushita’s amazing questions about sustainability as greater and greater pressure alchemy. Masters Program graduate Glen Svensson speaks is put on the local environment and natural resources. for many of our course leaders when he says that “teaching Tushita is being forced to ask itself similar questions: at Tushita is definitely one of the most rewarding experi- Where are we going and how can we travel wisely? The ences that I have had in my life.” Ven. Rita Riniker spent sharp upturn in student numbers is breathtaking, but also 17 years at Tushita and explains that “the participants of unprecedented and unpredictable. Director Linda Gyatso

From left: Ven. Kunphen, spiritual program coordinator; Linda Gyatso, director, with son Norbu.

July - September 2012 MANDALA 35 Your COMMUNITY

From left: Introduction to Buddhism class, April 2012; Some of Tushita’s teaching staff at Lama Yeshe’s stupa. explains our remarkable challenge, “We want to satisfy the meditation leaders and volunteers, and the right people and hunger for Dharma, but we have to be sensible. How can resources to bring further building work to fruition, then the we offer as much as we can, but not so much that it goes only choices open to us are tough decisions about actively beyond what we are capable of?” limiting the numbers of students and courses. While we plan further expansion, we face finite Such is our dilemma, for getting older also forces us to resources of money, professional support and space. Tushita engage with the truth of impermanence, a reality all the is a small property. We have been able to increase the more vivid for those of us living in areas like the Himalayas, number of residential students by maximizing the space we so sensitive to environmental change and prone to natural have now by turning singles into doubles, doubles into disasters. Another difficult question for Tushita’s future is: triples and a room intended for a visiting geshe into an Since so many visitors are drawn to this area by His Holi- eight-bed dorm. But this in turn puts pressure on infra- ness the Dalai Lama, what will happen when (hopefully due structure: the water supply, kitchen and dining room space, to being able to return to Tibet!) he is no longer resident in toilet and shower facilities. McLeod Ganj? Linda is reminded of advice she was given: Human resources are also in shortage! While the every- “Lama Zopa Rinpoche said that right now Dharamsala is a day tasks around the center are done by local staff, Tushita wish-granting jewel. But he really stressed the imperma- is highly dependent on Western volunteers. This leaves key nence of that, and told us to use this opportunity to its positions vulnerable to sudden changes and the center has fullest advantage.” suffered from a lack of continuity in management and of The trick for all of us, especially those approaching a availability of qualified teachers and meditation leaders. significant birthday, is to keep impermanence always in Without being certain of capable, long-term support, the mind but not be overwhelmed by it. For Tushita to continue packed schedule and large numbers of students can put a to facilitate the most beneficial activity possible, we must be great burden on those who remain, significantly limiting realistic about how much we can do, by evaluating the skills any free time for personal practice and consequently and resources we have at our disposal. It’s equally important challenging group harmony. for us to appreciate and rejoice in what we have, while we To an enormous extent these problems don’t have easy have it. And this is how Tushita intends to use the next 40 solutions within our control. Mother India is an excellent years: to its fullest advantage. teacher of the art of surfing life’s vicissitudes. Few other places Visit Tushita online at www.tushita.info. help you to identify and re-negotiate your boundaries of patience, time and expectation as vividly. It’s partly why Read more online about the history of Tushita, including an excerpt from Adele Hulse’s forthcoming Lama Yeshe biography India’s spiritual soil is so fertile. If demand continues to grow Big Love and an archive piece from Mandala. Go to without us having developed a stable network of teachers, mandalamagazine.org.

36 MANDALA July - September 2012 Your Prayers and Dedications “Have Power” ixty-three-year-old former attorney Bob Brintz, a student of Lama Zopa Rinpoche from Texas, United States, lives with ALS (Lou SGehrig’s disease) and is almost completely paralyzed. Bob cannot speak, takes food through a tube directly connected to his stomach and requires mechanical ventilation in order to be able to breathe. In order to write to Rinpoche and request formally Rinpoche as his teacher, he used a computer that allowed him to type using just his eyes. In his letter to Rinpoche, Bob writes that his introduction to the Dharma in 2007 was “transformational.” Rinpoche sent Bob a six-page letter in response giving encourage- ment and sharing some spiritual advice: … [L]ive your life with the understanding that others are the most Bob Brintz with his wife Susan, daughter Carrie and son Ben precious, kindest and wish-fulfilling. Then your life is naturally to help others, to stop even the smallest suffering of others. Your everyday life becomes like that. There’s always great happiness in your mind and you live your life for others, even praying for others. You cannot stop world wars or big problems like that, but at least you can pray and then dedicate your prayers and that will help, they have power. It is said in the teachings, the Piled Three Precious Rare Sublime Ones Sutra (kon chog sum tseg pai do), “All phenomena arise due to conditions, they depend on the tip of the wish.” This way your mind is always in a state of happiness. That’s really the best psychology. It’s the best meditation and the best psychology. Keep your mind always happy. … Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s complete advice to Bob along with Bob’s initial letter can be found on mandalamagazine.org as part of this issue’s exclusive online content.

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July - September 2012 MANDALA 37 Your COMMUNITY OBITUARIES His Holiness the 9th Bogd Jetsün Dampa Rinpoche, 80, died in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, March 1, 2012, after prolonged illness The Khalka Jetsün Dampa is recognized as the spiritual head of Buddhism in Mongolia and as part of a lineage tracing itself back to Taranatha, a famous scholar of the Jonang school of Tibetan Buddhism. Although recognized as a child in 1936, complex political situations in Asia forced his identity to be hidden until its public announcement in 1990 by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. After Lama Zopa Rinpoche received the information from the Ganden Abbot in Mongolia regarding Jetsün Dampa’s death, Rinpoche wrote the following message in response: According to normal view, we see that His Holiness the 9th Bogd Jetsün Dampa Rinpoche has passed away.We know Buddha has no disturbing obscurations so it is impossible for him to experience death. If Buddha stayed with us forever, sentient beings would not regard his teachings as precious and laziness would arise as well. So to realize how precious the Buddha’s teachings are, the Buddha showed the aspect of passing away. Similarly His Holiness the 9th Bogd Jetsün

Photo courtesy of Tagten Labrang Dampa Rinpoche has chosen to show the aspect of passing away. His Holiness the 9th Bogd Jetsün Dampa Rinpoche has mentioned in the past that he will reincarnate in Mongolia and from a young [age] will become a brilliant Buddhist monk – adopting this way of learning the extensive Buddhadharma in order to preserve and spread it throughout Mongolia, to have the pure Buddhadharma in many monasteries throughout Mongolia. In this way, everyone will enjoy the happiness of Dharma in Mongolia. We should all pray and look for this good future. My advice is to pray to Lama Tsongkhapa and recite the Migtsema mantra. Thank you very much, and I will also pray. More information can be found at: http://tibet.net/2012/03/01/obituary-his-eminence-the-ninth-khalkha-jetsun-dhampa/

Geshe Konchog Lhundup, 82, died in Venray, the Netherlands, February 8, 2012, of natural causes By Koosje van der Kolk Geshe Konchog Lhundup, the first resident geshe who taught at Maitreya Instituut from 1984 until 1991, passed away on his bed and was found by his students, who had to break into his house. We think this was Geshe-la’s way of going back to Tibet. When he turned 80, his students organized a great thank-you celebration for him at Maitreya Instituut. He expressed his wish to go back and live in his home in Kham, Tibet. Years before, he had visited his home and had revitalized the temple. Attempts by his students to get a visa for him to permanently go back to Tibet, however, did not succeed. Geshe Konchog Lhundup played an important role is consolidating Maitreya Instituut. Under his enthusiastic guidance, the first solid group of Dutch students was introduced to Tibetan Buddhism. In this way, he ripened their minds, preparing them to enter the study program started in 1992 under the guidance of our second resident geshe, Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen. Geshe Konchog Lhundup later became the main teacher for many other Buddhist centers in the Netherlands. After his retirement, Geshe-la visited Maitreya Instituut Emst to teach, attend ceremonies or sometimes just for a visit. He continued to teach his own students and did pujas with them in his house. After his 80th birthday, Dutch Buddhist television broadcasted a documentary about his life in the Netherlands, Passant in Oranje. Geshe-la was a strong personality – a real Khampa – kind, laughing and proud. Maitreya Instituut will always be grateful for the role he played in the flourishing of Buddhadharma in the Netherlands. Passant in Oranje is avaible freely online: http://player.omroep.nl/?aflID=10099319

38 MANDALA July - September 2012 Lama Zopa Rinpoche requests that “students who read Mandala pray that the students whose obituaries follow find a perfect human body, meet a Mahayana guru and become enlightened quickly, or be born in a pure land where the teachings exist and they can become enlightened.” Reading these obituaries also helps us reflect upon our own death and rebirth, prompting us to live our lives in the most meaningful way. Advice and Practices for Death and Dying is available from the Foundation Store (http://shop.fpmt.org)

Gunjiimaa Ganbat, 35, died in “Gunjiimaa was sharing a room tinues. “She was a great companion; Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, April 1, with her mother, father, two younger her explanations of Mongolian cultural 2012, of multi-drug resistant sisters and a brother. The room con- traditions enabled me to communicate tuberculosis tained a toilet, wash basin, couch and the Lam-rim in ways the people could By Thubten Gyatso (Adrian Feldmann) little space for anything else. Her mother understand. One time, after Lama and Khulan Dembereldorj slept on the couch and everybody else on Zopa Rinpoche had addressed the en- the floor. All of Gunjiimaa’s wages went tire Mongolian cabinet, the prime min- to support the family, which I soon ister said to him, ‘Your translator is came to know well. One of the many excellent, she didn’t miss a word.’” delightful memories I have of Mongolia is taking the three beautiful sisters to a Margot Kool, 61, died in Zwolle, fast-food place after Dharma talks.” the Netherlands, March 13, 2012, “She used to interpret all of of a stroke Gyatso’s teachings at Ganden Do Ngag By Koosje van der Kolk Shedrub Ling, at many different prisons, in the countryside, at Dolma Ling Nunnery, many other places and for hubten Gyatso met Gunjiimaa soon different audiences,” reflects Khulan Tafter arriving in Ulaanbaatar in Dembereldorj on Gunjiimaa’s extensive November 1999. “At a meeting over work. “It was always nice to hear the lunch at Millie’s restaurant, next door Dharma words of the teacher through to the half-finished building Harvey a person with such a warm heart. She Horrocks had bought for the new translated one of the first Dharma center, I was immediately impressed – books published by FPMT Mongolia, first by her famous smile and then by The Perfect Mirror by Thubten Gyatso. her immaculate English,” Gyatso She also translated Transforming Problems remembers. “She was a 22-year-old into Happiness, Vajrasattva Practice university graduate working for an and Daily Purification by Lama Zopa online news agency. She agreed to Rinpoche, Tibetan Buddhism by His translate my talks to about 60 lay Holiness the Dalai Lama, and the people in the basement gompa at scripts for a 26-part TV series called Bakula Rinpoche’s monastery. Soon Reviving Mongolian Buddhism.” n December 1979, Maitreya Instituut after, I realized that I needed a full-time “Her skill at translation, her con- Iwas officially established by Margot, translator/assistant and, when I asked stantly cheerful presence, and her her husband Jan-Paul Kool and Paula Gunjiimaa if she would leave her job devotion to Lama Zopa Rinpoche were de Wijs, and for 14 years, Margot to work for the center, she replied that sources of inspiration for the hundreds served as its secretary. In the early days, this was what she had been praying for.” of people at the center,” Gyatso con- teachers such as Lama Yeshe and

July - September 2012 MANDALA 39 Your COMMUNITY

Tsenshab Serkong Rinpoche stayed in all her activities for the organization and that your ego is what gets in the way of Margot’s mother’s house in Huizen; caring for her beloved brother, she was clear realizations. We have to lose that they greatly enjoyed the homey atmos- suddenly torn from this life. ego in order to realize universal energy phere. It was in that house that the In all her coming lives may she and consciousness. Lama Yeshe’s pres- first plans were made for the Maitreya again meet precious spiritual teachers. ence was so alive, effervescent and Instituut’s programs and for Maitreya stimulating. He seemed like an embod- Magazine. Marianne Baillieu, 72, died in iment of something greater than life as After a period in which premises Melbourne, Australia, February 8, we know it; it was as if something was were rented in Burghum, Maitreya 2012, of cancer passing through him that he was able to Instituut moved to Maasbommel. By Adele Hulse pass on to other people. I wanted to Margot was closely involved in all the know more.” center’s activities. It was Margot who On October 21, 1979, Tara Insti- first invited Dagpo Rinpoche to come tute’s new Guru Shakyamuni Buddha and teach in the center in 1983. She statue was formally consecrated in a also helped to decide on the purchase puja held at Realities Gallery. “The of the Maitreya Instituut in Emst whole gallery was transformed into a where she lived and worked and beautiful gompa. Lama Yeshe came up participated in all sorts of activities to me afterwards and held my hands. such as receiving the young Osel Hita. We had always had a lot of eye contact. Later in August 2004, she organized Again I felt the presence of something the festivities for the 25th anniversary greater than his body going through of Maitreya Instituut. me, some outer-space energy. I still “Margot had the wonderful ability remember his presence,” Marianne to make everyone feel completely at Photo courtesy of Ian Baillieu said. home,” shares Alexander Berzin, “whether In 1982 Marianne met Lama Yeshe in her mother’s home, her own home or arianne was born in Stockholm again at the Dalai Lama’s January at one of the Maitreya centers. By Mto Danish parents and moved to teachings in Bodhgaya. “We walked creating a warm, loving atmosphere in New Zealand and then Melbourne, about – a quite normal thing – but it which everyone could feel welcomed Australia, where she established the felt extraordinary. We were sitting and comfortable, she helped to nurture Realities Gallery, which showed mainly outside in the sun, and while he was the growth of Dharma in Holland.” Australian artists and was the first to looking at me the pupils of his eyes Not many people know that she show works from the Papunya Abor- began getting wider and darker with- also translated and wrote a great deal iginal artists. It was at the gallery that out there being any change in the light. for Maitreya Uitgeverij (Maitreya Marianne met Max Redlich (Ven. He was doing it. I watched this for a Publications) and was very good at it. Thubten Gelek), who later wrote to time and caught a feeling of some huge In recent years, she regularly her from Kopan Monastery inviting power he could draw on. He could organized the animal liberations at her to come for teachings. change himself to suit any situation. Maitreya Emst and also instigated the “On meeting Lama Yeshe for the “All his advice to me was in the performance of the ritual in Amster- first time I was totally awed by his sense of acting with mindfulness; to dam, thereby helping to save the lives presence. His wonderful teachings believe in myself, be compassionate of countless animals such as sheep, were so full of laughter, while I had and do good things. He believed in chickens and, especially, worms. been used to a very strict conservative my passion for the world of art, for Even after she devoted herself to her Christian style,” Marianne told me seeing the world as a glorious place, teacher, Geshe Ngawang Zopa, who during a 2011 interview for a book on delighting in the glory of nature and inspired her to practice the Dharma her art. “I felt a close connection with the beautiful things of life. I had a intensively, she remained closely involved him. He showed me that looking at dream in early 1984 of Lama Yeshe with Maitreya Instituut. In the midst of your own mind is the important thing; sitting in lotus position just above an

40 MANDALA July - September 2012 open fire and laughing. He was and hard work to set up. in Abilene, Texas. Scott spent his saying, ‘This shows you I will always In 1995 monks from Gyuto early years there as well as in upstate be around, I will not pass away.’ Tantric College were beginning to NewYorkandlaterinElPaso.In Next thing I heard he had died, but tour Australia and were soon regular 1986, Scott received a scholarship to he is still with me.” guests in Marianne’s home, where St. Anthony’s College at Oxford His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s she showed them wonderful hospi- University in England. In his first 1992 visit to Melbourne, following tality. “I play the Gyuto monks’ year there, he became sick. As his his Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, was chanting a lot. I wake in the night condition worsened, he eventually greeted with enormous public enthu- then fall asleep listening to them. moved to his parents’ home in Dallas siasm. Marianne curated an exhibition They were my lifeline when I was where they cared for him. Over the at the National Gallery of Victoria in having chemotherapy, the most next two decades while his illness his honor. “I stood outside the gallery peaceful cleansing wave that washed progressed, no one could figure out waiting for His Holiness to arrive over me with a feeling of love and what was causing it. when he stopped and grabbed my compassion for all beings,” she said. In 2000, Scott moved to Taos, hand. I was surprised,” she recalled. “I have no anxiety about being dead partly due to the suggestion of his “When I was later introduced as the because of this ongoing feeling that good friend Barry Crossno, who was curator he laughed and said, ‘You my spirit is something beyond this working there at the FPMT Inter- again!’ He knew I was involved body, which doesn’t last. So what! I national Office. Two years later, before he was told.” will be sorry to leave grandchildren Scott met Ribur Rinpoche, an event Marianne closed her gallery and and children behind, but everyone that changed his life, and he prac- became an artist in her own right. has to do that.” ticed Tibetan Buddhism from then She became a friend of Rupert on. Scott was greatly appreciated in Sheldrake whose theory of morphic Scott Affleck, 48, died in Taos, New the Education Department of Inter- fields proposes that holding concen- Mexico, United States, January 17, national Office where he volunteered trated collective consciousness in 2012, after chronic illness related for several years. His jovial character people and animals can produce to Lyme disease and joyful attitude while doing effects, which may be good or bad. By Don Handrick whatever was asked of him endeared In other words, simultaneous concen- cott was born to Bert and Patsy Scott to all the staff and established trated energy can make a difference. SAffleck on December 15, 1963, friendships that lasted until his Inspired, Marianne arranged a world- passing. wide simultaneous 15-minute period Sometime later, when he was of meditation and prayer for world pretty much homebound and bed- peace and non-violence in resolving ridden, Scott finally learned he was all conflicts. His Holiness the Dalai suffering from Lyme disease. Fol- Lama chose the date and the exact lowing extensive genetic testing, it time of day. The first simultaneous was found that his body contained prayer was held on February 13, a specific cell indicating he would 1991. It was a chance to send a flash never recover. of love around the world and people Over the last five years of his joined in delightedly. This was life, I advised Scott on his practice followed by similar 15-minute when I came up from Santa Fe to simultaneous prayers on March 8, Taos to teach at Ksitigarbha Center. 1994 and May 7, 2003, as chosen Their center director, Reg Blount, by His Holiness. Altogether millions also provided Scott much assistance. took part in these events, which, Scott felt a strong connection to while simple to experience, took an Amitabha and made strong prayers enormous amount of dedication to be reborn in Dewachen.

July - September 2012 MANDALA 41 Your COMMUNITY

Michael King, 63, died in South- rom the early 1980s until the mid-’90s, Mike hampton, United Kingdom, February FKing lived as a monk at Nalanda Monastery in Thereismorefrom 15, 2012, of unknown causes France. Although he left France, I had been in Your Community By Ven. Losang Tendar touch with him by e-mail since 2005. He gave feed- online. Swedish nun back on our newsletters often: “Loved studying the Ven. Karin Valham map/plans for the future at Nalanda Monastery. It’s describes arriving at looking positive; but having been involved in the Kopan Monastery in digging of the current (or has a newer one been 1974. Tibetan-American built?) septic tank, I have one recommendation: student Tenzin Ludup Please make sure it is big enough!” Mike also often offered donations and items share’s his experience to our projects. The last years of his life he worked attending the 2011 at a media center. Despite having invited Mike a November Course at few times to visit Nalanda again, he didn’t make it. Kopan. Read these Nalanda Monastery performed a special puja for stories and more at him, and we hope he will have a good rebirth and mandalamagazine.org. be able to meet the Dharma again. ◆ Photo courtesy of Nalanda Monastery

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Lama Zopa Rinpoche News In April, FPMT spiritual director Lama Zopa Rinpoche attended the Wangya Norbu Tangwa (Garlands of Jewels of Hundreds of Initiations) initiations with His Holiness the Sakya Trizin in Dehradun, India. Dhakpa Rinpoche and Dagri Rinpoche also attended. [See page 32 for more information.] In May, Lobsang Sangay, the Kalon Tripa (Prime Minister of Tibet) visited Lama Zopa Rinpoche at Tushita Meditation Centre in Dharamsala, India. They had a private meeting, after which Rinpoche took the Kalon Tripa on a guided tour of the center. Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Dagri Rinpoche, Dehradun, Rinpoche’s attendant and CEO of FPMT, Ven. Roger India, April 2012. Photo courtesy of Sakya Drolma Phodrang. Kunsang, reported on Rinpoche’s health in April: “Rinpoche is doing well. … The main thing is that there is still progress. Rinpoche is more independent, using the right hand more and the right leg is stronger. … Rinpoche’s speech is very clear when speaking Tibetan. In English if he doesn’t make effort, there is a slight slur. But when teaching and Rinpoche focuses on the pronunciation, it is clear.”

⎟ Find updates on Rinpoche at www.fpmt.org/enews

Osel Hita News addressed students at a Western Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive Dharma center in more than a decade. published in March the long-awaited Bodhisattva Attitude, by Lama Zopa Listen to Osel's talk at www.fpmt.org/fpmt/osel.html Rinpoche, the first book in our new Heart Advice series. The next book in International our Publishing the FPMT Lineage This year’s “FPMT Annual Review series, How to Practice Dharma: 2011: Cherishing Life” is available Teachings on the Eight Worldly Dharmas, online. With great joy and heartfelt also by Rinpoche, goes to the printer thanks, FPMT International Office soon. In the meantime, we worked invites you to read its collection of with Meida Cheng to accomplish the accomplishments and highlights, official publication in China of with our strong wish that it becomes Rinpoche’s The Secret of Happiness, the cause for all of Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s Osel Hita giving talk at Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa, Italy, April 2012. Photo by wishes to manifest Piero Sirianni. without delay and that Osel Hita, joined by Gomo Tulku, his life be long and gave a talk at Istituto Lama Tzong stable. Rinpoche’s Khapa in April 2012. Osel emphasized Annual Review letter the importance of harmony at centers can be read separately and of thinking kindly about people. in English, Chinese, He also suggested that centers plan French, Italian, activities that get them out together Japanese and Spanish. and help create a sense of community. www.fpmt.org/fpmt/ This was the first time Osel had international-office.html

Cover of FPMT Annual Review 2011

44 MANDALA July - September 2012 translated from an as yet unpublished There’s has been much imperma- completed her five-year Basic Program manuscript prepared by Ven. Ailsa nence at work in the Mexico exams earlier this year having studied Cameron. We are working on getting National Office. We rejoice in the under the direction of Khen Rinpoche more of Rinpoche’s and Lama Yeshe’s years of service offered by Edgardo Geshe Tashi Tsering at Chenrezig teachings published in China in this Molina, Moya Mendez and Ven. Institute. – From Ven. Tencho way. – From Nick Ribush Norbu (Lourdes Castro) the out- ⎟ www.kunsangyeshe.com.au going president, national coordinator ⎟ www.lamayeshe.com and treasurer respectively. We also Vajrayana Institute (VI) was blessed The sixth Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo rejoice in the new people taking on with a visit of Choden Rinpoche over Translator Programme begins this important work: Cesar Quiroz, the Easter weekend. Rinpoche taught October 1, 2012, with an application Karla Ambrosio and Roberto de la on tantric grounds and paths and deadline of June 30. Unlike previous Rosa! – From Cesar Quiroz conferred a Vajrasattva initiation. We courses, this one is open to students ⎟ www.fpmt-mexico.org held an animal blessing ceremony in committed to becoming an interpreter April around our stupa to welcome in an FPMT Dharma center as well as The North American Regional our animal friends to the center and freelancers without such a commit- Office is preparing to celebrate the to leave positive imprints on their ment. This course offers training in First Annual FPMT North America minds. During the April to June colloquial and literary Tibetan as well Compassion Day on July 6, 2012! period, we organized three non- as Dharma terminology and method- Compassion Day is a celebration of residential retreats: our annual ology of interpretation. – From Claire His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s lam-rim retreat with T.Y., a Barde birthday and an opportunity for us to Vajrasattva retreat with Ven. Robina ⎟ http://lrztp.blogspot.com come together and cultivate harmony, and a vipassana retreat with Ven. loving kindness and compassion in Antonio. VI’s new conference, FPMT Regional and our lives. Visit compassionday.org for “Young Minds,” is being held in June National Offices more information. to focus on the vital issues facing our The Australian National Office FPMT North America will hold youth. – From Wai Cheong Kok continues to work towards regional- its second annual meeting in Santa Fe, ⎟ www.vajrayana.com.au ization. We are working on improving New Mexico, hosted by Thubten our organizational structure to Norbu Ling, November 2-4, 2012. QUEENSLAND enhance our support of FPMT Directors, spiritual program coordina- Garden of Enlightenment’s work International Office and all the tors, board members, center managers on the entrance gate and the new art various Australian FPMT activities as and teachers are all invited to attend. studio and workshop at Chenrezig well as to uphold the vision of the – From Amy Cayton Institute was held up due to a rather unique FPMT lineage for many, ⎟ www.fpmtna.org bad run of wet weather. The site many lifetimes. We held our annual preparation for the workshop is now general meeting (AGM) via telecon- Australia completed, next we pour the concrete ference for the first time. I believe we NEW SOUTH WALES slab and then take delivery of the may have set a new record for the Ven. Lozang Yonten joins the team at shed. Further funding is required to fastest AGM in FPMT history – 15 Kunsang Yeshe Retreat Centre as a have the shed erected and the power minutes! Later this year we will host visiting teacher. We’re delighted that connected. We would like to thank Geshe Thubten Sherab from Kopan she has accepted to take on the role the Enlightenment Project for Monastery for three months when he and bring her experience, knowledge Purification and Merit for helping will visit seven Australian centers. and fresh personality to the moun- us along with the funding for the – From Helen Patrin tains. Receiving her bhikkshuni vows workshop. – From Garrey Foulkes ⎟ www.fpmta.org.au in Taiwan in 2011, Ven. Yonten is an ⎟ www.chenrezig.com.au/content/ FPMT registered teacher and ⎟ view/42/146/

July - September 2012 MANDALA 45 FPMT News Around the WORLD VICTORIA While the Great Stupa of Universal Belgium Ven. Robina Courtin swept into Compassion is still only half of its On her fifth visit to Shedrup Atisha Centre and engaged over 60 total height, the bottom half is starting Zungdel Study Group, Ven. Rita students during a weekend teaching to become “solid” as contractors erect Riniker shared a big treasure with us: on karma and emptiness. For two balustrades, walls, stairs and windows. “The Eight Verses for Training the very full days, Ven. Robina taught This work is expected to be complete Mind.” In June, we are very happy to with her customary clarity and by November at which time the Great host the monks of Sera on their compassion. One student described Stupa will be at “lock-up” stage. Work European Peace Tour. In August, we her experience: “Ven. Robina’s on the top half of the Great Stupa will are offering a Universal Education for detailed, clear and concise explana- proceed during late 2012 and 2013. Compassion and Wisdom summer tions on mind, our ego grasping and – From Ian Green camp for children 6-10 called the causes and antidotes of suffering ⎟ www.stupa.org.au “Discover the Treasure in Your were incredibly accessible and did Heart.” – From Marguy Krier WESTERN AUSTRALIA much to demystify some of the ⎟ [email protected] culturally loaded representation of Hayagriva Buddhist Centre is excited to announce that the visa for these concepts.” We are delighted Canada Ven. Robina has accepted our request Geshe Ngawang Sonam has been Gendun Drubpa Centre’s annual to lead a week’s retreat in 2013. approved for two years, meaning he general meeting in March was the – From Cherry Rattue will be coming to Australia to take up first event held at our new center. ⎟ www.atishacentre.org.au the position of resident geshe at the center. Six years ago Rinpoche advised We celebrated with a potluck dinner the center that it would be beneficial and then tended to business. In to have a resident geshe in addition to reviewing the entire year, it was Ven. Thubten Dondrub, our resident astounding how much has been teacher. After several hindrances, we accomplished. Regular Discovering have managed to carry out Rinpoche’s Buddhism classes and community advice. We are all looking forward to meditation classes have begun. We Geshe Ngawang Sonam’s arrival in have our first weekend intensive in June. – From John Waite June. – From Dianne Noort ⎟ http://hayagriva.org.au ⎟ www.gendundrubpa.com

Austria Lama Yeshe Ling Centre continues Michael Lim, Singaporean friend of Jade Buddha; Ian Green, director; and Jung-Chih Panchen Losang Chogyen to grow in so many ways! We are Lin, secretary general Chinese Buddhist Temple Association of Taiwan, March 2012 Gelugzentrum welcomed Ven. seeing growth in center attendance, Sangye Khadro, who taught the in volunteer time and skills offered, second part of her seminar on hand- The Jade Buddha for Universal and in classes and workshops Peace toured Taiwan in May. The ling emotions, and Alexander Berzin, presented locally by our skilled tour was organized by the Chinese who discussed correct understanding facilitators, including teleclasses led Buddhist Temple Association of as the basic necessity of learning by founding director Dekyi-Lee Taiwan which has over 200 members Dharma. Ven. Birgit Schweiberer Oldershaw. We are also making representing the major temples of continued her Madhyamakavatara progress in the development of the Taiwan. From Taiwan, the Jade Buddha course with two intensive weekends, Canadian Hub for Universal Educa- travels to Thailand where it will tour and Stephan Pende Wormland gave tion for Compassion and Wisdom. five cities commencing with Bangkok insights in the relationship between In April, we hosted Ven. Amy on June 15. – From Ian Green Buddhism and psychology. Miller, who gave a public talk and a ⎟ www.jadebuddha.org.au – From Erich Leopold weekend workshop titled “Peace ⎟ www.fpmt-plc.at from Chaos, A Tibetan Buddhist

46 MANDALA July - September 2012 Approach to Making Sense of Your the Maitreya Project. The workshop occasion and we hope will facilitate Life.” – From Deborah Seigel will be 8.5 meters (28 feet) tall. the beneficial growth of the center. ⎟ www.lamayesheling.org Rinpoche’s first order is a 21 Tara – From Sabine Hueppelshaeuser thangka that will be 14 meters (46 ⎟ www.aryatara.de Denmark feet) high and 9 meters (30 feet) wide! Tong-nyi Nying-je Ling is growing For now, the causes and conditions This spring Diamant Verlag and more volunteers are coming to seem to have come together and published the German edition of the center, allowing us to extend our Rinpoche’s vision should soon Kathleen McDonald’s Awakening the offerings. With an eye towards become a reality. – From François Kind Heart (Das gütige Herz, ein bringing the Nordic/Baltic region Lecointre Mahayana-Meditationsbuch). Also a together more, our resident teacher ⎟ www.institutvajrayogini.fr very kind volunteer helped us with Stephan Pende Wormland will lead translating Lama Yeshe’s When the three retreats in Denmark, one in Nalanda Monastery is preparing a Chocolate Runs Out. The project we Iceland and one in Finland. Our three-month retreat as part of have in the pipeline at the moment is summer program is filled with finishing the Basic Program 2008- a book by Khensur Jampa Tegchok, visiting teachers, including Ven. 2012 as well as commencing the new based on a teaching on the two truths Robina and Ven. Paula Nyingje. Basic Program and the new Masters he gave at Kushi Ling Centre in Italy We are also so happy to host again Program, which both will start in in 2009. We are looking for volunteers Alan Wallace offering a vipassana 2013. We hope to organize another who could transcribe the English retreat in June here in lovely retreat with Khadro-la and also to translation of these fantastic teachings Copenhagen! – From Karen Anne welcome Khensur Rinpoche Losang – a job that could help immensely to improve one’s understanding of Krogh Nielsen Tenzin. In addition, Nalanda is organizing the Sera Monastery emptiness. We are also looking for ⎟ www.fpmt.dk European Peace Tour. A group of sponsors for this project. If you are interested, please contact us at France nine Sera monks will do mandala constructions, pujas and lama dances [email protected]. – From Having a workshop to create huge as well as consultations. More details Claudia Wellnitz thangkas has long been one of Lama can be found at www.seratour.org. ⎟ www.diamant-verlag.info Zopa Rinpoche’s wishes. After many In the meantime, we are years of planning and discussions preparing for our new building project. India with Swiss artist Peter Iseli, this proj- In June and July, we will do land- In February at MAITRI Charitable ect is becoming a reality at Institut scaping, including a new lake, road Trust in Bodhgaya, we had our Vajra Yogini. Major building renova- and reed bed. In September, if we have annual ABC (Animal Birth Control) tions are now underway to transform sufficient funds, construction will camp: in a little over three weeks, the institute’s former general work- begin. – From Ven. Losang Tendar 126 street dogs were sterilized – 80 shop into an appropriate atelier. ⎟ www.nalanda-monastery.eu females and 46 males – and released Rinpoche’s wish is to bring this after complete recovery. Our animal tradition to the West and help make Germany care clinic provided treatment to 36 thangkas for centers, projects and In March, Dagri Rinpoche conse- dogs, one goat, one cow and one services around the world, including crated Aryatara Institut’s new 21 camel from the local community. Tara statues that had recently arrived from Kopan Monastery. They took their place on the altar in the course of a Tara puja with a Green Tara initiation. This joyful project took over a year to accomplish, including the rolling of mantras for the statues Thangka workshop at Institut Vajra Yogini under and fundraising. It was a truly special Camel being treated for sores, March 2012. construction Photo courtesty of MAITRI Charitable Trust.

July - September 2012 MANDALA 47 FPMT News Around the WORLD

In March, World TB Day was Sera Je Monastery enjoyed a winter celebrated with processions of the holiday, but the Sera IMI House students of MAITRI’s three village monks certainly didn’t slow down. The schools through 25 surrounding rigorous academic program keeps us villages. Two teams of MAITRI field well-occupied during the year, so a workers toured the district by jeep, number of monks seized this valuable visiting 143 villages, raising aware- time to engage in memorization and ness by addressing the population by meditation retreats. In addition, loudspeakers. Given the increasing two monks traveled to Dharamsala Participants at public course, April 2012, Delhi, India. Photo by Ven. Kabir Saxena. indigence of a large part of the popu- to organize and help teach the lation, MAITRI boosted its activities Pre-Ordination Course at Tushita Lama Zopa Rinpoche spent the Day under its humanitarian aid program, Meditation Centre for Westerners of Miracles with us. Ven. Ailsa, our specifically in the provision of treat- ordaining with His Holiness. Mean- indefatigable manager, transformed ment, supplements and food to while, we continued our regular our dormitory into a pure land for malnourished children and TB teaching schedule at the FPMT study Rinpoche’s residence. We recently patients. – From Adriana Ferranti group in Bangalore, Choe Khor Sum concluded a five-day course intro- Ling, including an all-night Tara ducing Mahayana Buddhism to ⎟ www.maitri-bodhgaya.org practice with more than 20 attendees. Hindi speakers from the neighboring The wonderful news from Root The new academic year began at Sera state of Uttar Pradesh. They were very Institute is the opening of Maitreya Je with a powerful, monastery-wide receptive and appreciative. – From School on the auspicious day of April 10-day Hayagriva approximation Ven. Kabir Saxena 11 with the blessings of Lama Zopa retreat, with more than 250 million ⎟ [email protected] Rinpoche. Maitreya School is a mantras recited. Re-energized, we primary school operated by Root began the year fresh and excited with Italy Institute for Wisdom Culture on the two of our monks newly joining the In 2007, Geshe Jampa Gyatso, the premises of the original Maitreya debate program this year. – From Ven. then resident geshe of Istituto Lama Project UE School. The school is Gyalten Lekden Tzong Khapa, founded Associazone starting small, with just 60 kinder- ⎟ [email protected] Dare Protezione, which is a lay and garten and class 1 students. It is run on non-religious body that helps people Buddhist principles and the children It is a time of change at Tushita receive qualified spiritual assistance at are taught meditation and mantra. We Mahayana Meditation Centre.The the end of life. The association is are fortunate in having found good empty spot of spiritual program coor- engaged in a project approved by the teachers with open minds, who are also dinator has been filled for the second Tuscan region to build Tiziano receiving Universal Education for time by Ven. Losang Tenpa (Kabir), Terzani Hospice, named after a Compassion and Wisdom training. now back in his birthplace Delhi, Tuscan journalist who was a man of – From Ven. Thubten Namgyal having spent last year in Mumbai. In peace and sacrificed himself for ⎟ www.rootinstitute.com early March, we were delighted that human rights.

Land where Tiziano Terzani Hospice is planned to be built, Castellina Marittima, Italy. Photo by Piero Sirianni.

48 MANDALA July - September 2012 July - September 2012 MANDALA 49 FPMT News Around the WORLD

From Dare Protezione, the FPMT Our resident teacher Geshe Dondup sutra reading and mani recitation – study group Casa del Buddha della Tsering returned to Kushi Ling continue to prosper. Please join us! Medicina was born, the name being Centre from a two-month vacation – From Doc O’Connor given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Casa in India and started teaching ⎟ www.fpmt-japan.org del Buddha della Medicina supports immediately at our annual, one-week the hospice project and collaborates lam-rim Easter retreat. Patrick Latvia with Dare Protezione. We are creating Lambelet and Claudia Wellnitz Ganden Buddhist Meditation a website that explains the study assisted retreatants, leading medita- Centre is looking forward to two group activities and are looking for tions and discussion groups in Italian retreats in June and July: a weekend practitioners and supporters to join and German. We are beginning to retreat on mindfulness with Stephan us. – From Francesco La Rocca study Lama Tsongkhapa’s Middle Pende Wormland in the calming ⎟ www.associazionedareprotezione.it Lam-rim in our Basic Program. atmosphere of the Ganden Centre in – From Claudia Wellnitz Riga and then an eight-day Green After three years, Centro Muni ⎟ www.kushi-ling.com Tara retreat with Ven. Lobsang Gyana has a new center located in Namgyel, July 18-25 in Mazirbe, the historical part of Palermo in Japan near the Baltic coast. In June, we also Sicily. It has been quite difficult to start “Buddha Child,” an hour for find a location with a great room for families with children of joyful play, a gompa that is not too expensive. drawing, singing, peaceful meditative To help inaugurate the center, we tasks and Buddhist discussion. received teachings from Geshe – From Agnese Bishofa

Tenzin Tenphel from Istituto Lama ⎟ www.ganden.lv Tzong Khapa. We also hope to begin the Basic Program and we continue Malaysia our Discovering Buddhism program Students of Do Ngak Sung Juk with Geshe Chokyi Gyaltsen Center (CGC) has Thubten Sherab. Photo by Doc O’Connor. and our twice weekly meditations. – received many blessings. First, Lama From Lucia Geraci Do Ngak Sung Juk (DNSJ ) was Zopa Rinpoche helped us manifest our ⎟ www.centromunigyana.it very happy to host Geshe Thubten center in Penang. Then, Rinpoche sent Sherab from Kopan Monastery from us Ven. Osel. Then, Rinpoche sent a In March 2012, Dagri Rinpoche February 16-March 5. Students were came to Centro Studi Cenresig in very pleased with the teachings, Bologna to teach the four immeasur- attending them not only in Tokyo ables and to give the Green Tara but also traveling to Osaka to hear jenang. The event was well attended Geshe-la, too. Geshe-la’s weekend and a success thanks to the good teachings included a Mitrugpa organization of the staff of volun- retreat, which was recommended to teers, many of them very young! us by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. DNSJ Some people took refuge with also arranged its second animal Rinpoche and many of them received liberation. Because this wonderful the jenang. We are waiting for the practice is quickly growing in our arrival of 21 Tara statues from Kopan community, another is scheduled Monastery that he advised us would near Saka Dawa. Other DNSJ benefit the center. – From Marco activities include a small group Castaldi pursuing Meditation 101 and

⎟ www.cenresig.org Discovering Buddhism. Our global, Chokyi Gyaltsen Center’s newest Tara statue. virtual activities – twice a month Photo by Bobby Yeoh.

50 MANDALA July - September 2012 fpmt The Foundation Store

FPMT Foundation Store off ers a vast selection of Buddhist study materials, high quality thangkas, statues, prayer fl ags, and meditation supplies including cushions, khatas, malas and incense.

Books Meditation supplies Study programs Videos Practice books Ritual objects

Visit our website for information about special promotions. http://shop.fpmt.org/ FPMT News Around the WORLD lharampa geshe, Geshe Deyang, from flowers, candles, crystal jewels and more than 200 people. Ven. Geshe Sera Je in April 2011 to serve as our prayers as well as sponsoring Sangha Lobsang Khedup, our resident teacher, resident geshe. Not long after the robes and contributing to the has been requested by Concordia arrival of Geshe Deyang, our bene- Sera Food Fund and to Khensur University to teach in a course called factors donated gold-painted, life-size Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup’s stupa at Transpersonal Psychology I for statues of Tara, 1000-armed Chenrezig Kopan Monastery. It was a 10 A.M. doctoral students in humanist and Lama Tsongkhapa and his two to 10 P.M. program of non-stop psychologies. – From Rogelio Pallares disciples. For now, CGC is pretty prayers, Dharma talks and sheer joy. ⎟ http://aguasmedita.com complete, especially with the recent – From Yeo Puay Huei arrival of Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo ⎟ www.fpmt-ldc.org Vajrapani Tibetan Buddhist Study Translator Programme graduate Group organized a concert and Zangmo, as our new interpreter. – From Daniel Yeoh

⎟ www.fpmtcgc.blogspot.com

As an added aid to the home volun- teers and to enhance the quality of its services, Kasih Hospice Care, Malaysia (KHC) is launching a pilot program of animal-assisted therapy. Volunteers visit patients in their homes with pets based on medical data that shows animals can uplift the spirits of patients. When a patient’s mind feels lighter, it may foster an emotional environment of openness and facilitate a more Students from Dharmarakshita Study Group, Mauritius, April 2012 meaningful dialogue between the Mauritius workshops with Hungarian musician hospice volunteer and the patient. Dharmarakshita Study Group Jeszenzsky Istvan called “Healers for For this pilot program, KHC is had our first group outing in April to Peace,” where we read a message for working with a professional Le Morne Beach in the southwest of our beloved Ven. Lobsang Dawa. organization called the Dr. Dog Mauritius. Our purpose for this About 100 people sang mantras in Program. – From Yeo Puay Huei get-together was to help the study unison like OM MANI PADME HUM. ⎟ www.kasihfoundation.org group members get to know each We hope this concert will help bring other better, since few students stay peace and joy to the hearts of all Buddha’s enlightenment day is to socialize after teachings and medi- sentient beings! – From Blanca Elsa celebrated twice ayearatLosang tation sessions. – From Vimla Koonja Bolaños Elizondo Dragpa Centre, once on Vesak Day ⎟ [email protected] ⎟ [email protected] (which is a national public holiday in Malaysia) and also on Saka Dawa Mexico Yeshe Gyaltsen Center in Cozumel itself. A long stream of visitors and At Bengungyal Center,weare celebrated the first year of residence devotees joined in the Vesak beginning to work with prisoners in of our spiritual program coordinator, “Bathing the Buddha” ceremony Aguascalientes. We are sharing with Ven. Losang Nyingje, who came in presided by Dagri Rinpoche. We also prison staff a course on working with April 2011 and leads introductory had an incense puja, followed by an afflictive emotions. This activity classes and meditation. Ven. Nyingje array of different types of offerings: allows us to bring the Dharma to was ordained four years ago at

52 MANDALA July - September 2012 Nalanda Monastery in France, where the people we serve. he studied the Basic Program.He – From David Szeto went to Nepal to finish his ngöndro ⎟ www.fpmtmongolia.org/fpmtm/ ⎟ and then returned to Mexico upon lamp-of-the-path-ngo/ advice from Lama Zopa Rinpoche to “bring the Dharma to Mexico.” The Nepal following spring Ven. Nyingje was With Lama Zopa Rinpoche spending invited by our center to help with the Dashka, Zulaa and Tsend of Golden Light Sutra time at Kopan Monastery in Nepal, Heart Shrine Relic Tour, during Center, April 2012. Photo by Odgerel. the Animal Liberation Sanctuary is which several students asked him to are hoping to build a center this seeing more rescued goats. At the stay and be “our monk.” As a young summer on land donated in 2003 by monastery, we currently have eight Mexican, the students find it very the local government to FPMT cows and bulls, 18 goats and two easy to relate to him. His classes are Mongolia. One of our recent projects sheep. We have 13 goats at Khachoe clear, relevant and also fun. Ven. was to print 5,000 Golden Light Ghakyil Nunnery. The building of Nyingje comments that the more he Sutras in Mongolian. We are trying the Animal Liberation Sanctuary on focuses on serving others, the more to distribute them to as many homes nearby land is almost complete. After students seem to come through the as possible. Traditionally, all Mongo- many years of planning and fund- doors! – From Moya Mendez lian families had this text in their raising, the rescued goats and sheep ⎟ www.fpmtcozumel.org ger, a traditional family tent-like will soon be moved to more dwelling. The text at that time, appropriate quarters. We also have a Mongolia however, was only in Tibetan. Now building for a resident caretaker and FPMT Mongolia has a new website people can read it in their own a quarantine area with a shelter and a that shares the fascinating history of language and work to revive field for new or sick animals. – From Buddhism in Mongolia as well as the Buddhism in Mongolia as it was Tania Duratovic and Phil Hunt story of FPMT Mongolia. The new before communist times. ⎟ fpmt.org/projects/other/alp.html site also includes all the Mongolia – From Gordon Parlin centers, projects and services. You can ⎟ www.fpmtmongolia.org/fpmtm/ find FPMT Mongolia on Facebook ⎟ golden-light-sutra-center/ and watch videos about our activities on our FPMT Mongolia YouTube Lamp of the Path has seen an channel. We are adding new videos increase in the number of people every month. – From Massimo Corona benefiting from our soup

⎟ www.fpmtmongolia.org kitchen, which provides the basic necessities to Ulaan- Ganden Do Ngag Shedrub Ling baatar’s poor and homeless, opened the Dharma Store. It’s the including hot meals five days a week. This means our health The stupa for Khensur Rinpoche Lama Lhundrup. Photo by only place in Ulaanbaatar where Ven. Thubten Kunkyen. Buddhist devotees can purchase clinic also has been seeing more religious items, including thangkas patients. We provide free medical Kopan Monastery has been very and statues. We are keeping clear care and our Children Development busy for the last few months with accounts of the profits, which will Program to the Children Protection introductory courses. More people only be used to sponsor the printing Institutions and State Orphanage. than ever are coming to learn about of a book or for similar religious We continue to seek funding for Buddhism and about changes they purposes. – From Massimo Corona these projects. Students from the can make in their lives. At the International School in Ulaanbaatar monastery, the school term has ⎟ www.fpmtmongolia.org/fpmtm/ ⎟ shedrub-ling-center/ offer volunteer services. And a started again with quite a few new qualified volunteer nutritionist monks joining the monastery. They The Golden Light Sutra Center in from Australia provides us were ordained by Jangtse Chöje after Darkhan was established in 2004. We information on healthy food for the Mönlam teachings in March. The

July - September 2012 MANDALA 53 FPMT News Around the WORLD stupa for Khensur Rinpoche Lama Russia Lhundrup is going up very swiftly in The Aryadeva Study the stupa garden, where the stupa of Group in St. Petersburg Geshe Lama Konchog is also situated. received its name and blessing from Lama Zopa At the same time, the plans for a very Rinpoche in 2003. Since large stupa at Khachoe Ghakyil then, the group has had Nunnery are coming close to comple- ongoing educational tion. This one will be a replica of the programs, including Mother Stupa in Patan, Nepal. The The boundary wall of Rachen Nunnery, Tsum, Nepal. hosting Geshe Jampa nunnery is awash with building Photo by Ven. Tenpa Choden. activities. The gompa is now Dakpa as resident teacher completed on the inside, the building planted at the same time. Two solar from 2003 to 2009, who taught on with one hundred rooms is nearly showers will be added this year both at lam-rim, lorig and 400 Verses of complete and work is progressing Rachen and Mu Gompa. An expan- Aryadeva. The Aryadeva Study smoothly on the new kitchen and sion of the medical facility at Rachen Group organized three visits of will allow out-patients to stay dining room. A new group of nuns is Kirti Tsenshab Rinpoche. During overnight. The exterior building of the going to the Tara temple in Varanasi, these visits, Rinpoche gave a India. The conditions there are quite new gompa is nearing completion, followed by the building of an altar for number of initiations and deep difficult during summer with tempera- teachings on Kalachakra and the tures reaching above 40 °C (104 °F). texts and for the 5-meter (16.5-foot) statue of Guru Rinpoche that is being Six Yogas of Naropa. In 2009, the group started to study Discovering After attending the Mönlam teachings transported by helicopter. – From Ani Buddhism. The program is led by in Kopan, all the geshes and monks Fran Mohoupt Andrey Terentyev, a translator for returned to Thubten Shedrup Ling http://kopanmonastery.com in Solu Khumbu for another year of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, an http://kopanmonastery.com/ editor and publisher of Russian study and practice. An additional nunnery.html geshe has now joined the small translations of classical Buddhist [email protected] monastery to teach philosophy to the texts, and FPMT registered teacher. older monks. The monks now go to fpmt.org/projects/other/tsum.html – From Vasiliy Repin the local school for “worldly” subjects ⎟ www.aryadeva.spb.ru and study philosophy and prayers in The Netherlands the afternoon at the monastery. The Maitreya Instituut is very pleased Slovenia hostel under construction for the local to welcome Geshe Sonam Ngodrup Chagna Pemo Study Group had the children will be finished soon and and his interpreter Ven. Jamyang then children from the surrounding Khedrup in September. Geshe great honor to host Dekyi-Lee areas can attend the Buddhist school Sonam Ngodrup, a young geshe Oldershaw, who visited Slovenia for that is nearby. lharampa from Sera, will become two days in April to lead three Trans- our second resident geshe. Geshe-la formative Mindfulness workshops. In The year at Rachen Nunnery and Mu taught for some time in France at May, His Holiness the Dalai Lama Gompa in Tsum started officially in Nalanda Monastery. Ven. Jamyang visited Slovenia and several from our mid-April, with the return of monks Khedrup interprets Tibetan/ group attended the three-day teach- and nuns from the Kathmandu Valley. English. He came originally from ings together. Canada and qualified as an The education of the monks and nuns – From Mirjana Dechen is progressing well, with a new geshe interpreter through the Lotsawa ⎟ [email protected] joining the teaching team for more Rinchen Zangpo Translator intensive study of philosophy. A Programme. – From Maitreya “collect rubbish” drive at the end of Instituut Spain We again are able to open Tushita last year improved the looks of the ⎟ www.maitreya.nl nunnery compound; many trees were Retreat Center, following the wishes

54 MANDALA July - September 2012 Tibetan to offer to all monks in Sera On April 14, Jamyang Coventry Monastery and Tashi Lhunpo Study Group welcomed Geshe Tashi Monastery as well as offering a 9-foot Tsering for an inspiring one-day (3-meter) tall Medicine Buddha teaching on refuge. It was Geshe-la’s statue to Sera Je’s main prayer hall. last visit in 1999 that inspired the – From Ven. Thubten Osel then Coventry Buddhist Group to ⎟ www.fpmt.tw form links with the FPMT, eventu- ally becoming an FPMT study group United Kingdom in 2009. Geshe Tashi’s teachings are Jamyang Bath Study Group available on Jamyang Coventry’s new continues to grow and to develop a YouTube channel. – From Ven. wonderful team of volunteers. We Lobsang Dawa Geshe Jamphel visited Tushita Retreat Center, ⎟ April 2012. Photo by Gloria Bochaca. hosted Geshe Tashi Tsering for two www.coventry-buddhists.com of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and honoring weekends over the last year. In the work of Kiko Segura, former February, Geshe Tashi taught on director of Tushita who passed away refuge and 12 people took refuge for in November 2011. Kiko left among the first time in a simple and very rainbows and we re-opened Tushita beautiful refuge ceremony. We have among rainbows. For our opening, also been fortunate to host Ven. Amy Geshe Jamphel gave the Vajrasattva Miller twice and have Ven. Sangye initiation and we did some retreat Khadro coming in July. – From Anne sessions with him. We are grateful to Swindell ⎟ www.jamyangbath.org.uk everyone at Nagarjuna Barcelona for Geshe Tashi Tsering, April 14, 2012. Photo by their continuous help. – From Isabel Ven. Lobsang Dawa. Arocena Mancisidor At Jamyang Buddhist Centre, The Land of Joy project will create a ⎟ www.budismotibetano.net/tushita/ Geshe Tashi Tsering completed his experimental teachings working retreat community in the UK. We Taiwan directly with extracts from the began 2012 with a donation of £100,000 (US$160,000) – our In April, Jinsiu Farlin organized an Buddhist sutras and the Indian largest so far. The donor said, “It is incense puja on a hilltop led by commentaries. He is now working up with great joy that I am able to resident teacher Geshe Gyurme. some experimental teaching modules contribute energy and money to this Nearly 60 members participated in focused on the three higher trainings, wonderful project, which hopefully this outing, which also included a beginning with ethics and working will blossom soon and become a picnic and the hanging of prayer flags. with extracts from the Indian source of inspiration and enlighten- Geshe Gyurme continues his regular commentaries. We continued to offer ment for many generations of classes three times a week, teaching Discovering Buddhism onsite and to spiritual journeymen.” Land of Joy’s Lam-rim Chenmo, Ornament of Clear provide the support for the Founda- new brochure, “Be the Change … Realization and Lama Tsongkhapa tion of Buddhist Thought online. The Grow the Seeds of Inner & Outer Guru Yoga. The Heart of the Path was Day of Miracles celebrations were Peace,” invites everyone to dedicate translated to Chinese by Ven. Sophia very inspiring with the inside of the their positive energy to help nurture Su and is available through Jinsiu main temple looking very beautiful the vision, make financial contribu- Farlin. bathed in sunlight. We are all looking tions of any size and “like” Land of In requesting Lama Zopa forward to His Holiness the Dalai Joy on Facebook. – From Andy Rinpoche’s long life, FPMT Taiwan Lama's June visit to the UK. Wistreich began a project of printing 5,000 – From Mike Murray ⎟ www.landofjoy.co.uk copies of Golden Light Sutra in ⎟ www.jamyang.co.uk

July - September 2012 MANDALA 55 FPMT News Around the WORLD

Saraswati Study Group continues to panel set-ups and refurbishing retreat taries by Indian Buddhist masters. make lots of new connections with cabins. – From Catherine Slocock These texts are in Tibetan pecha style. people curious about the Dharma. ⎟ http://landofcalmabiding.org Resident teacher Geshe Ngawang Visiting teachers are very important Tenley worked steadily throughout in helping us maintain and increase We are delighted to report that Land the week to wrap them in the tradi- our group energy. We look forward of Medicine Buddha’s (LMB) Great tional Tibetan cloth covering to to both Geshe Tashi Tsering and Ven. Prayer Wheel is complete, thanks to protect the pages. The texts are now Sangye Khadro’s teachings in July. the effort of Tom Flynn (LMB’s in Geshe-la’s room, a companion to We are planning to run Buddhism in director in 2001), Sally Barraud, Ven. the set in our gompa. Accompanying a Nutshell for the first time in the Chosang and generous benefactors. the texts were statues of the Sixteen autumn. – From Neil Atkinson Our Great Prayer Wheel contains at a Arhats, the most illustrious disciples ⎟ www.saraswati.org.uk minimum 170 billion, 425 million of Shakyamuni Buddha. As is the and 600,000 mantras plus five sets of custom, mantras will be printed, cut In February, Togme Sangpo Study each of the following: the Kangyur and rolled and then placed inside Group began meeting. Located in and Lama Tsongkhapa, Gyaltsab Je these statues. – From Debra the Findhorn Community, a spiri- and Khedrup Je’s collections of Thornburg tual community in Scotland open to works. You can view photos on ⎟ www.kurukulla.org all traditions, our aim is to host LMB’s Facebook page. – From Buddhist practice, study and retreat. Denice Macy and Team LMB Wisdom Publications, Inc. is We had our first course, Meditation ⎟ www.landofmedicinebuddha.org pleased to announce the November 101, which went very well. We have 2012 release of The Numerical an ongoing practice group that Tara Home is honored to welcome Discourses of the Buddha: A Complete meets for a monthly session of another resident, who is from the Translation of the Anguttara Nikaya lam-rim and Green Tara practice, Hindu tradition, to our hospice care. translated by Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi. inspired by a retreat with Ven. Although our sister religion shares This is the much-anticipated fourth Nyingje. Group member Tony Davis the values of peace of mind and good volume of The Teachings of the joined the FPMT UK meeting in karma at the end of life, our death Buddha. In April, Tim McNeill, London. Next steps include the rites differ markedly. Buddhists Wisdom’s director, attended the course Buddhism in a Nutshell,a believe the consciousness may remain London Book Fair where he met with weekend retreat and fundraising. in the body doing important work literary agents as well as editors from – From Margo van Greta even after it is pronounced clinically around the world interested in ⎟ [email protected] dead; therefore, we do not touch the acquiring foreign language rights to body of the deceased for as many as Wisdom titles. In June, Tim and United States three days. On the other hand, in an other Wisdom staff members attend CALIFORNIA act of purification, Hindus gently Book Expo America where we Land of Calm Abiding (LCA) is clean the entire body soon after death present our upcoming titles to book blossoming. In accordance with occurs. We are happy to provide an buyers and avid readers. Author Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s wishes, we’ve opportunity for both sanghas to work Dinty W. Moore signs copies of his been working to develop LCA into a together ensuring the most beneficial new book, The Mindful Writer. facility for serious long-term individ- passing. – From Nicole MacArgel – From Lydia Anderson ual retreat. Already, this vision is ⎟ www.tarahome.org ⎟ www.wisdompubs.org coming to fruition! Two monastics will embark on long retreat here very MASSACHUSETTS NEW MEXICO soon. Meanwhile, our team of volun- April saw the arrival at Kurukulla Thubten Norbu Ling ended 2011 teers has worked wonders, clearing Center of a complete set of the with an amazing visit from the Heart junk from the land, improving solar Buddha’s teachings and the commen- Shrine Relic Tour. The relics were on

56 MANDALA July - September 2012 display at the Immaculate Heart of dynamic multicultural group from VIRGINIA Mary Retreat and Conference Center the community representing diverse Guhyasamaja Center is continuing and drew a wide selection of people faiths. – From Julie Thomas to offer the two-year Discovering of many faiths and dispositions and ⎟ http://manjushristudygroup. Buddhism program. We have a strong from well beyond Sante Fe. In ⎟ blogspot.com group of consistent participants who January, Ven. Robina Courtin came are doing the retreats, studying their to Santa Fe and led a very successful VERMONT homework, memorizing brief texts Tara retreat with 60 participants, February brought Milarepa Center and engaging in the preliminary who gathered from across the state. 100 precious volumes of the Kangyur, practices of Vajrasattva meditation Thubten Norbu Ling rejoices that the complete Tibetan discourses of and prostrations to the 35 Buddhas! Ven. Angie Muir is joining us in June the Buddha, offered by Ven. Dagri In late March and early April, we hosted a group of monks from Ganden as spiritual program coordinator. Rinpoche last year. A small group of monastery who performed pujas, – From Rowena Mayer us organized a traditional greeting of chants and dances as well as made a ⎟ these precious texts with Lawudo www.tnlsf.org sand mandala. We’ve also successfully incense offerings billowing into the completed a fundraising drive, raising mountain air, recitations of prayers OHIO enough for a down-payment towards The Manjushri Study Group and mantras, and a recording of Lama the purchase of a stable home for our celebrated its first anniversary Zopa Rinpoche chanting OM MANI center. – From Lorne Ladner ◆ during Losar by participating in the PADME HUM. You can see videos ⎟ www.guhyasamaja.org worldwide recitation of the Sublime and photos on our Golden Light Sutra and by offering a Facebook page. In Shakyamuni and Medicine Buddha addition, we enjoyed puja on the Day of the Miracles. a wonderful mid- Seven of our study group members February retreat, successfully completed the Buddhism spending time in a Nutshell course last year. meditating on and Currently, we are reviewing exploring the nature Meditation 101. We also felt very of the mind. – From honored and privileged to host the Ven. Amy Miller Heart Shrine Relic Tour last fall, ⎟ www.milarepa which drew about 400 people. For ⎟ center.org Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche Losang Jampa with students from the opening ceremony we had a Guhyasamaja Center.

Maitreya Buddhas Around the World! In March 2012, Lama Zopa Rinpoche offered 27 Maitreya Buddha statues to FPMT centers, projects and services that wished to have one. The life-size statues are scale replicas of the 500-foot-tall Maitreya statue planned to be built in Kushinagar, India, by the Maitreya Project. Mandala has collected photos of the statues in their new homes in an online photo gallery. If you’d like your center’s Maitreya statue included, email your photo to [email protected].

⎟ View the photo gallery with this issue’s online content at mandalamagazine.org.

A Maitreya statue arrives at Centre Kalachakra, France, April 2012

July - September 2012 MANDALA 57 FPMT Education Services Providing Programs and Practice Materials For All FPMT Prayers and Practices iPod, iPad, and Kindle Ready! MP3 downloads for just $8.00 each!! E-Books 50% off book cost

Meditations for Children Heruka Vajrasattva Tsog, Daily Meditation on Lama Chopa Jorcho Heart Practices Bodhisattva Vows Extensive Offering Practice Shakyamuni Buddha for Death and Dying

Available from the Foundation Store: www.fpmt.org/shop www.fpmt.org

Lama Tsongkhapa Guru Yoga Chod Prostrations to the 35 Buddhas Essential Buddhist Prayers Vol 1 Essential Buddhist Prayers Vol 2 FPMT Retreat Prayer Book

58 MANDALA July - September 2012 FPMT DIRECTORY This directory is a listing of centers, projects and services worldwide which are under the spiritual direction of Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). You can find a complete listing with address and director/coordinator information on the FPMT website: http://www.fpmt.org/centers/directory.html Please contact [email protected] with any updates to your listing.

Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche www.essential-education.org AUSTRALIA (Tel Code 61) Karuna Hospice Service Tara Institute c/o FPMT International Office Tel: +44 (0) 20 7820 9010 Windsor Brighton East New South Wales www.karuna.org.au www.tarainstitute.org.au FPMT International Office FPMT REGIONAL AND Tel: (07) 3632 8300 Tel: (03) 9596 8900 1632 SE 11th Avenue NATIONAL OFFICES Enlightenment for the Resident Geshe: Dear Animals Portland, OR USA A project of Karuna Hospice: Geshe Lobsang Doga Denistone East www.fpmt.org Australian National Office Karuna Books Tel: (1) (503) 808 1588 www.fpmta.org.au www.enlightenmentfor www.karunabooks.com.au Thubten Shedrup Ling Tel: +61 (2) 4782 2095 animals.org Eaglehawk Projects of FPMT Tel: +61 (2) 9808 1045 Langri Tangpa Centre www.tslmonastery.org International Office include: Brazilian National Office Camp Hill Amdo Eye Center [email protected] Kadam Sharawa Tel: (03) 5446 3691 www.langritangpa.org.au FPMT Puja Fund Tel: +55 (47) 9127 3314 Buddhist Institute Tel: (07) 3398 3310 Lama Tsongkhapa Teachers Copacabana Western Australia Fund European Regional Office www.kadamsharawa.org South Australia Sera Je Food Fund www.fpmt-europe.org Tel: (0402) 688 620 Hayagriva Buddhist Centre Stupa Fund Tel: +31 (0) 20 627 3227 Kensington Kunsang Yeshe Centre www.fpmt.org/projects Buddha House www.hayagriva.org.au Katoomba Tusmore Italian National Office Tel: (08) 9367 4817 www.kunsangyeshe.com.au www.buddhahouse.org INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS [email protected] Resident Teacher: Tel: (02) 4788 1407 Tel: (08) 8333 2824 Ven. Thubten Dondrub International Mahayana Mexico National Office Vajrayana Institute Institute www.fpmt-mexico.org De-Tong Ling Retreat Centre Ashfield Hospice of Mother Tara San Francisco, CA USA Tel: +52 (987) 869 2222 Kingscote www.vajrayana.com.au Bunbury www.imisangha.org www.detongling.org Tel: (02) 9798 9644 www.hmt.org.au Nepal National Office Tel: (08) 8559 3276 Resident Geshe: Tel: (08) 9791 9798 Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive [email protected] Geshe Ngawang Samten Lincoln, MA USA Tel: +977 (1) 442 4091 Resident Teacher: Tasmania AUSTRIA (Tel Code 43) www.LamaYeshe.com Wai Cheong Kok Tel: +1 (781) 259 4466 North American (USA and Chag-tong Chen-tong Centre Panchen Losang Chogyen Canada) Regional Office Queensland Snug Liberation Prison Project [email protected] www.chagtong.org Gelugzentrum Ashfield, Australia Tel: +1 (831) 334 2777 Chenrezig Institute Tel: (03) 6267 9203 Vienna www.liberationprison Eudlo www.fpmt-plc.at project.org South Asian Regional Office www.chenrezig.com.au Victoria Tel: (1) 479 24 22 [email protected] Tel: (07) 5453 2108 Lotsawa Rinchen Zangpo Resident Geshe: Atisha Centre BELGIUM (Tel Code 32) Translator Programme Spanish National Office Geshe Lobsang Jamyang Eaglehawk Dharamsala, India www.fpmt-hispana.org Resident Teacher: Shedrup Zungdel Study http://lrztp.blogspot.com/ Tel/Fax: +34 (91) 445 6514 Ven. Tenzin Tsepal www.atishacentre.org.au Tel: (03) 5446 3336 Group LKPY: Loving Kindness Taiwan National Office Projects of Chenrezig Institute: Burg Reuland Peaceful Youth www.fpmt.tw The Enlightenment Project The Great Stupa of [email protected] Unley, SA Australia Tel: +886 (2) 2523 0727 for Purification and Merit Universal Compassion www.lkpy.org [email protected] Maiden Gully BRAZIL (Tel Code 55) Tel: +61 (4) 0695 0726 FPMT CENTERS, PROJECTS www.stupa.org.au AND SERVICES The Garden of Enlightenment Tel: (03) 5446 7568 Centro Shiwa Lha Maitreya Project International www.chenrezig.com.au/ Rio de Janeiro www.maitreyaproject.org ARGENTINA (Tel Code 54) content/view/42/146 Shen Phen Ling Study Group www.shiwalha.org.br Wodonga Tel: (21) 9322 0476 Cittamani Hospice Service Universal Education for Yogi Saraha Study Group shenphenlingaustralia@ Palmwoods Compassion and Wisdom Buenos Aires yahoo.com.au www.cittamanihospice.com.au London, United Kingdom [email protected] Tel: (02) 6059 8104 Tel: (11) 4541 7112 Tel: (07) 5445 0822

July - September 2012 MANDALA 59 CANADA (Tel Code 1) Institut Vajra Yogini INDIA (Tel Code 91) ITALY (Tel Code 39) Sangye Choling Study Group Marzens Sondrio Gendun Drubpa Centre www.institutvajrayogini.fr Choe Khor Sum Casa del Buddha della www.sangye.it Williams Lake, B.C. Tel: (05) 6358 1722 Ling Study Group Medicina Tel: (39) 0342 513198 www.gendundrubpa.com Resident Geshes: Bangalore Livorno Tel: (250) 398 5681 Geshe Tengye and www.cksl.in www.associazionedare Shiné Jewelry Tel: (80) 4148 6497 Geshe Tenzin Loden protezione.it Pomaia (Pisa) Lama Yeshe Ling Centre www.shinegioielli.it Oakville, Ontario Maitreya Project Trust Kalachakra Centre Centro Lama Tzong Khapa Tel: (050) 685 033 www.lamayesheling.org Gorakhpur Paris Treviso Tel: (905) 296 3728 [email protected] www.centre-kalachakra.com [email protected] Tel: (551) 2342 012 Yeshe Norbu - Tel: (01) 4005 0222 Tel: (0422) 300 850 CHINA (Tel Code 852) Appello per il Tibet Resident Geshe: MAITRI Charitable Trust Pomaia (Pisa) Mahayana Buddhist Assoc. Geshe Drakpa Tsundue Bodhgaya Centro Muni Gyana www.AdozioniTibet.it (Cham-Tse-Ling) www.maitri-bodhgaya.org Palermo Tel: (050) 685 033 North Point, Hong Kong Nalanda Monastery Tel: (631) 2200 841 www.centromunigyana.it Labastide St. Georges Tel: (0327) 038 3805 www.fpmtmba.org.hk JAPAN (Tel Code 81) Tel: 2770 7239 www.nalanda-monastery.eu Root Institute Tel: (05) 6358 0225 Bodhgaya Centro Studi Cenresig Do Ngak Sung Juk Centre COLOMBIA (Tel Code 57) Resident Geshe: www.rootinstitute.com Bologna Tokyo Tel: (631) 2200 714 Geshe Losang Jamphel www.cenresig.org www.fpmt-japan.org Centro Yamantaka Tel: (347) 246 1157 Tel: (070) 5562 8812 Bogotá Thakpa Kachoe Retreat Land Projects of Root Institute: www.yamantakabogota.org Marseille Shakyamuni Buddha Centro Tara Cittamani LATVIA (Tel Code 371) Tel: (311) 251 0993 www.thakpakachoe.com Community Health Padova Tel: (612) 918 949 Care Centre www.taracittamani.it Ganden Buddhist DENMARK (Tel Code 45) Tel: (049) 864 7463 Maitreya School Meditation Centre FRENCH POLYNESIA (Tel Code 689) Tong-nyi Nying-je Ling Riga Centro Terra Copenhagen Sera IMI House www.ganden.lv Naropa Meditation Center di Unificazione Ewam www.fpmt.dk Bylakuppe Tel: 2949 0141 Tahiti Florence Tel: 33 13 11 08 [email protected] http://naropatahiti. www.ewam.it Resident Teacher: Yiga Chodzin Study Group over-blog.com Tel: (055) 454 308 Stephan Pende Wormland Tushita Mahayana Raunas novads Meditation Centre www.yigachodzin.lv Projects of Tong-nyi GERMANY (Tel Code 49) New Delhi Chiara Luce Edizioni Nying-je Ling: [email protected] Pomaia (Pisa) MALAYSIA (Tel Code 60) The Center for Conscious Aryatara Institut Tel: (11) 2651 3400 www.chiaraluce.it Living and Dying München Tel: (050) 685 690 Chokyi Gyaltsen Center www.cbld.dk www.aryatara.de Tushita Meditation Centre Tel: (89) 2781 7227 McLeod Ganj Istituto Lama Tzong Khapa Penang Dharma Wisdom Publishing Resident Teacher: www.tushita.info Pomaia (Pisa) www.fpmt-cgc.blogspot.com www.dharmavisdom.dk Ven. Fedor Stracke Tel: (1892) 221 866 www.iltk.it Tel: (4) 826 5089 Tel: (050) 685 654 Resident Geshe: FINLAND (Tel Code 358) Diamant Verlag INDONESIA (Tel Code 62) Resident Geshes: Geshe Deyang Kaltern, Italy Geshe Tenzin Tenphel and Tara Liberation Study Group www.diamant-verlag.info Lama Serlingpa Bodhicitta Geshe Jampa Gelek Rinchen Jangsem Ling Helsinki Tel: +39 (0471) 964 183 Study Group Retreat Centre [email protected] Jambi Projects of Istituto Triang Tel: (50) 353 2886 [email protected] Tara Mandala Center Lama Tzong Khapa: www.jangsemling.com Landau Shenpen Samten FRANCE (Tel Code 33) Potowa Center [email protected] Ling Nunnery Kasih Hospice Care Tangerang Tel: 9951 90235 Selangor Editions Vajra Yogini www.potowa.org www.kasih-hospice.org Marzens Resident Teacher: Dieter Kratzer Tel: (21) 9359 2181 Takden Shedrup Targye Ling Tel: (3) 7960 7424 www.vajra-yogini.com Monastery (Tel Code 30) Tel: (05) 6358 1722 GREECE ISRAEL (Tel Code 972) Kushi Ling Retreat Centre Losang Dragpa Centre Gyaltsab Je Study Group Gonpo Chakduk Shantideva Study Group Arco (TN) Selangor Ile de la Reunion Ling Study Group Ramat Gan www.kushi-ling.com www.fpmt-ldc.org association.gyeltsabje Athens [email protected] Tel: (347) 2113471 Tel: (3) 7968 3278 @gmail.com [email protected] Tel: 3 736 6226 Resident Geshe: Tel: (210) 762 7189 Geshe Dondup Tsering

60 MANDALA July - September 2012 MAURITIUS (Tel Code 230) Yeshe Gyaltsen Center Projects of Kopan Monastery: Resident Geshe: Nagarjuna C.E.T. Barcelona Cozumel Animal Liberation Sanctuary Geshe Jampa Tharchin Barcelona Dharmarakshita Study Group www.fpmtcozumel.org www.fpmt.org/projects/other Resident Teacher: www.nagarjunabcn.org Vacoas Tel: (987) 869 2222 /alp.html Alan Carter Tel: (93) 457 0788 [email protected] Resident Geshe: Tel: 258 3054 MONGOLIA (Tel Code 976) Mu Gompa Dorje Chang Institute Geshe Losang Jamphel Chhekampar Avondale MEXICO (Tel Code 52) All Mongolian centers, www.fpmt/projects/tsum www.dci.org.nz Nagarjuna C.E.T. Granada projects and services are Resident Geshe: Tel: (09) 828 3333 Granada accessible through: Bengungyal Center Geshe Jampa Tsundu Resident Geshe: www.nagaryunagr.org Aguascalientes www.fpmtmongolia.org Geshe Thubten Wangchen Tel: (95) 825 1629 www.bengungyal.org Rachen Nunnery Drolma Ling Nunnery Mahamudra Centre Nagarjuna C.E.T. Madrid Tel: (449) 973 5550 Chhekampar Ulaanbaatar Colville Madrid Resident Geshe: www.fpmt/projects/tsum Tel: (11) 480 741 www.mahamudra.org.nz www.nagarjunamadrid.org Geshe Losang Khedup Resident Geshe: Tel: (07) 866 6851 Tel: (91) 445 65 14 Enlightening Mind Geshe Jampa Tsundu Chekawa Study Group Resident Geshe: Ulaanbaatar Uruapan ROMANIA (Tel Code 402) Geshe Thubten Choden Tel: (11) 480 741 Thubten Shedrup Ling [email protected] Monastery Tel/Fax: (452) 523 5963 Grupul de Studiu Buddhist Centro Nagarjuna Valencia Ganden Do Ngag Solu Khumbu White Tara Valencia Shedrup Ling Resident Geshe: Judetul Arges www.nagarjunavalencia.com Khamlungpa Center Ulaanbaatar Geshe Thubten Yonden [email protected] Tel: (96) 395 1008 Zapopan Tel: (11) 321 580 Tel: 4829 4216 Resident Geshe: www.khamlungpa.org.mx Lawudo Retreat Centre Geshe Lamsang Tel: (33) 3122 1052 Golden Light Sutra Center Solu Khumbu RUSSIA (Tel Code 7) Resident Geshe: Darkhan www.lawudo.com O.Sel.Ling Centro de Retiros Geshe Losang Khedup Tel: (1372) 28856 Tel: (1) 221 875 Aryadeva Study Group Orgiva St. Petersburg www.oseling.com Khedrup Sangye Yeshe NEPAL (Tel Code 977) THE NETHERLANDS (Tel Code 31) www.aryadeva.spb.ru Tel: (95) 834 3134 Study Group Tel: (812) 710 0012 Resident Teacher: Morelia Ganden Yiga Chözin Buddhist Maitreya Instituut Amsterdam Ven. Champa Shenphen khedrup_sangye_yeshe@ Meditation Centre Amsterdam Ganden Tendar Ling Center yahoo.com.mx Pokhara www.maitreya.nl/adam Moscow Tekchen Chö Ling Tel: (443) 308 5707 www.pokharabuddhist Tel: (020) 428 0842 www.fpmt.ru Ontinyent centre.com Resident Teacher: Tel: (926) 204 3164 www.centrobudistaontinyent.es Padmasambhava Tel: (61) 522 923 Ven. Kaye Miner Tel: (96) 291 3231 Study Group SINGAPORE (Tel Code 65) Durango Himalayan Buddhist Tushita Retreat Center Maitreya Instituut Emst [email protected] Meditation Centre Amitabha Buddhist Centre Arbúcies Kathmandu Emst Tel: (6181) 711 102 Singapore www.budismotibetano.net/ www.fpmt-hbmc.org www.maitreya.nl/emst www.fpmtabc.org tushita Tel: (0578) 661 450 Rinchen Zangpo Center Tel: 6745 8547 Tel: (97) 217 8262 Khachoe Ghakyil Nunnery Resident Geshe: Torreo´n Resident Geshe: Khenrinpoche Kathmandu Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen www.rinchenzangpo.org.mx Geshe Thubten Chonyi SWEDEN (Tel Code 46) Tel: (087) 1712 6873 www.kopannunnery.org Tel: (1) 481 236 A project of Maitreya SLOVENIA (Tel Code 386) Tsog Nyi Ling Study Group Resident Geshes: Serlingpa Retreat Center Instituut Emst: Ransta Geshe Lobsang Zopa, Zitacuaro Maitreya Uitgeverij Chagna Pemo Study Group www.fpmt.se Geshe Tsering Norbu, http://calendarioretiroserlingpa. (Maitreya Publications) Domzale Tel: (0224) 200 22 Geshe Konchog Nodrup, blogspot.com Emst [email protected] and Geshe Losang Chodak Tel: (715) 153 9942 Tel: (40) 573 571 Yeshe Norbu Study Group NEW ZEALAND (Tel Code 64) Stockholm Kopan Monastery Thubten Kunkyab Study SPAIN (Tel Code 34) http://fpmt-stockholm.se Kathmandu Group Amitabha Hospice Service Tel: (0707) 321 793 www.kopanmonastery.com Coapa Avondale Ediciones Dharma Tel: (1) 482 1268 www.meditadf.blogspot.com www.amitabhahospice.org Novelda SWITZERLAND (Tel Code 41) Resident Geshes: Tel: (552) 325 5861 Tel: (09) 828 3321 www.edicionesdharma.com Geshe Lobsang Sherab, Tel: (96) 560 3200 Gendun Drupa Centre Geshe Lobsang Nyendrak, Muraz/Sierre Vajrapani Tibetan Buddhist Geshe Jampa Gyaltsen, Chandrakirti Tibetan Nagarjuna C.E.T. Alicante www.gendundrupa.ch Study Group and Geshe Tashi Dhondup Buddhist Meditation Centre Alicante Tel: (27) 455 7924 Huatulco Resident Teacher: Richmond www.budismoalicante.com Resident Teacher: Sixte Vinçotte [email protected] Ven. Karin Valham www.chandrakirti.co.nz Tel: (958) 70989 Tel: (03) 543 2015 Tel: (66) 387 124

July - September 2012 MANDALA 61 Longku Center Saraswati Study Group Vajrapani Institute New Mexico Virginia Bern Drayton Boulder Creek www.fpmt.ch www.saraswati.org.uk www.vajrapani.org Thubten Norbu Ling Guhyasamaja Center Tel: (31) 332 5723 Tel: (01458) 252463 Tel: (831) 338 6654 Santa Fe Centreville www.tnlsf.org www.guhyasamaja.org TAIWAN (Tel Code 886) Togme Sangpo Study Group Colorado Tel: (505) 660 7056 Tel: (703) 774 9692 Findhorn Resident Teacher: Resident Geshe: All Taiwanese centers are www.togmesangpo.org.uk Lama Yeshe House Don Handrick Khensur Lobsang Jampa accessible through: Tel: (01309) 690926 Study Group Rinpoche www.fpmt.tw Boulder Ksitigarbha Tibetan Yeshe Study Group [email protected] Buddhist Center Washington Heruka Center Cumbria Tel: (831) 234 7963 Ranchos de Taos Ciaotou yeshebuddhistgroup [email protected] Buddha Amitabha Pure Land Tel: (7) 612 5599 @live.co.uk Florida Riverside Resident Geshe: Tel: (01229) 885 329 www.buddha-amitabha- New York Geshe Tsethar Land for Nagarjuna’s pure-land.org UNITED STATES (Tel Code 1) Sutra and Tantra Shantideva Meditation Center Jinsiu Farlin Dharma Study Group Pamtingpa Center New York Taipei California Sarasota Tonasket www.shantidevameditation.org Tel: (2) 2577 0333 [email protected] www.tonasketbuddhist.org Resident Geshe: Gyalwa Gyatso Tel: (941) 745 1147 Tel: (509) 223 3003 North Carolina Geshe Gyurme Buddhist Center Campbell Tse Pag Me Study Group Kadampa Center Shakyamuni Center www.gyalwagyatso.org Zephyrhills What does it mean Raleigh Taichung City Tel: (408) 866 5056 tropical_moments@ to be an FPMT Center, Tel: (4) 2436 4123 Resident Teacher: verizon.net www.kadampa-center.org Study Group, Resident Geshe: Ven. Losang Drimay Tel: (813) 783 1888 Tel: (919) 859 3433 Project or Service? Geshe Ngawang Gyatso Resident Geshe: Land of Calm Abiding Tubten Kunga Center Geshe Gelek Chodha If a center, project or service is UNITED KINGDOM (Tel Code 44) San Simeon Deerfield Beach affiliated with FPMT, it means http://landofcalmabiding.org www.tubtenkunga.org Ohio that it follows the spiritual Jamyang Bath Study Group Tel: (831) 475 6018 Tel: (954) 421 6224 direction of Lama Zopa Rin- Bath Resident Geshe: Manjushri Study Group poche. It means that centers www.jamyangbath.org.uk Land of Medicine Buddha Geshe Konchog Kyab Youngstown and study groups use FPMT’s Soquel http://manjushristudygroup. educational programs and Jamyang Buddhist Centre www.landofmedicine Massachusetts blogspot.com material, created in the unique London buddha.org lineage of Lama Yeshe and www.jamyang.co.uk Tel: (831) 462 8383 Kurukulla Center Oregon Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Tel: (02078) 208 787 Medford Each FPMT center, project Resident Geshe: Tara Home www.kurukulla.org Maitripa College or service is incorporated indi- Geshe Tashi Tsering Soquel Tel: (617) 624 0177 Portland vidually (is a separate legal www.tarahome.org Resident Geshe: www.maitripa.org entity) and is responsible for its Jamyang Buddhist Tel: (831) 477 7750 Geshe Tenley Tel: (503) 235 2477 own governance and finance. Centre Leeds Resident Geshe: All FPMT centers, projects, Leeds Tara Redwood School Wisdom Publications Inc. Yangsi Rinpoche services and study groups www.jamyangleeds.co.uk Soquel Somerville follow the FPMT Ethical Policy. Tel: (07866) 760 460 www.tararedwoodschool.org www.wisdompubs.org Texas FPMT study groups are Tel: (617) 776 7416 groups which are using this Jamyang Coventry Tsa Tsa Studio / Center for Land of Compassion status as a probationary period Study Group Tibetan Sacred Art Montana and Wisdom before a group becomes a legal Coventry Richmond Austin entity and a full FPMT center, www.coventry-buddhists.com www.tsatsastudio.org Osel Shen Phen Ling www.austinfpmt.org project or service. Tel: (415) 503 0409 Missoula FPMT study groups are not Tel: (512) 280 8687 Khedrup Je Study Group www.fpmt-osel.org yet affiliated with the FPMT, and Liverpool Tse Chen Ling Tel: (406) 543-2207 therefore do not have the same Vermont khedrupjestudygroup San Francisco responsibilities as a center or @hotmail.co.uk www.tsechenling.org Nevada project, financially or adminis- Milarepa Center Tel: (07789) 327054 Tel: (415) 621 4215 tratively. Barnet Resident Geshe: Dharmakaya Study Group www.milarepacenter.org Land of Joy Geshe Ngawang Dakpa Reno Tel: (802) 633 4136 www.landofjoy.co.uk Resident Teacher: [email protected] Tel: (07949) 595691 Emily Hsu Tel: (775) 232 8067

62 MANDALA July - September 2012 Strictly limited places – presents book early! Meditation Retreat 2012 with B. Alan Wallace

B. Alan Wallace President, Santa Barbara Consciousness Institute, USA

Introduction to Dzogchen Retreat 22 – 28 October 2012 Explore the View, Meditation and Conduct of the Great Perfection

An extraordinary opportunity to join B. Alan Wallace on week-long meditation retreat. t Deepening one’s meditative practice t Learn about the essential guidelines to practice t Identify the pitfalls and the meditative experiences along the path t Realize the deepest potential of the mind Booking or enquiries: +61 2 8719 5136 or [email protected] www.vajrayana.com.au Dharma Journeys Pilgrimages 2012 Nepal & India Pilgrimage Sunday, October 14 to Friday, November 2 from Kathmandu, Nepal t Visit the holy places of Lord Buddha in Nepal: Boudhanath, Swayambunath, Parping and Lumbini. t In India: Sravasti, Kushinagar, Nalanda, Vulture’s Peak, Bodhgaya and Sarnath. Daily practices and teachings. t Includes a three-day retreat at Kathmandu’s Kopan Monastery. t Land cost from US$3800 plus air to Kathmandu, Nepal

Author Jon Landaw, Leader and returning home from Bodhgaya, India.

PROFITS GO TO LIBERATION PRISON PROJECT. AN FPMT PROJECT SUPPORTING THE BUDDHIST PRACTICE OF PEOPLE IN PRISON WORLDWIDE. www.LiberationPrisonProject.org (415) 701 8500

2013 India & Nepal Pilgrimage Saturday, January 26 to Wednesday, February 13 from Varanasi, India t Visit the sacred Buddhist sites in India: Sravasti, Kushinagar, Nalanda, Vulture’s Peak, Bodhgaya and Sarnath. In Nepal: Boudhanath, Swayambunath, Parping and Lumbini. t Daily practices and teachings. t Includes short retreats at Root Institute in Bodhgaya, India and Kopan Monastery in Nepal. t Land cost from US$3350 plus air to

Venerable Amy Miller, Leader Varanasi, India and returning home from Kathmandu, Nepal.

PROFITS GO TO MILAREPA CENTER. A TIBETAN BUDDHIST CENTER SUPPORTING WISE PRACTICE THROUGH STUDY, MEDITATION AND SERVICE. www.MilarepaCenter.org (802) 633-4136

Lama Zopa Rinpoche has told us that it is important

to do authentic practices on pilgrimage

in order for it to be meaningful and productive.

“I was very pleased with “Th e pilgrimage far exceeded Himalayan High Treks how easy the traveling was. my expectations due to CST 2085690-40 241 Dolores Street Super good organization Ven. Amy and local guide San Francisco, CA 94103, USA and leaders helped a lot. Amber who were relaxed Phone (in US): (800) 455 8735 I’d do it again in a minute!” and knowledgeable.” (415) 551 1005 SUSAN FARRAR SANDI AND WILL MANSON Fax: (415) 861 2391 2011 India Pilgrimage 2007 India Pilgrimage www.dharmajourneys.com